Laboratory confirmed cases of the Influenza A H1N1 (Swine flu) have increased with 11 new cases reported yesterday. This was revealed by Dr. Justin Wane, the head of the Swine Flu response team in the Ministry of Health.

According to Wane, two of the new cases are officials from King Faisal Hospital while the remaining nine are pupils from the previously reported Marie Auxiliatrice Private School in Kigali.

"All the new cases are people who came in direct contact with the initial family that tested positive for the virus. Just like the 14 cases that we had, these new cases have also been isolated and are being treated at home until the quarantine period ends,” Wane told The New Times.

In a recent press conference, the Minister of Health, Dr. Richard Sezibera, emphasized that all the people who came into contact with the first confirmed cases are being traced and checked for symptoms of flu-like illness.

"There is however no cause for alarm because we are prepared to manage these cases at home since they are mild. If need be any of these cases will be admitted to hospital where we have separate facilities for swine flu patients,” he said.

The first case of the Influenza in the country was reported 9 October. Since last week, cases have increased daily but officials assert that aggressive treatment is being administered to ensure their quick recovery.

With regard to controlling transmission rates, the Director General of TRAC plus, Prof. Michael Kramer advises the public to emphasise proper hygiene methods.

Suggested measures include, washing hands regularly with soap and clean water, covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing and avoiding unnecessary behavior like shaking hands and kissing among others.

The influenza was first reported in Mexico during the month of April. Since then it has spread across the world. World Health organization maintains that it is a mild treatable flu that has claimed about 4,500 people since the Mexico outbreak.

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