Following last week’s confirmation of the influenza A, H1N1 (swine flu) at the Kigali Central Prison (KCP), an official in the Ministry of Health has dismissed fears that the virus could spread rapidly amongst inmates.

According to the Head of the swine flu response team in the ministry, Dr. Justine Wane, there were five laboratory confirmed cases at the prison by yesterday and medical officials on site attest that everything is under control.

"Since its confirmation among prisoners, the number of cases has remained stable considering that the infected few were isolated and are on treatment. We are doing whatever it takes to curb transmission amongst inmates so there is no cause for alarm,” Wane assured.

The official also noted that there are enough Tamiflu treatment doses to deal with more cases incase they arise.
Recently, medical experts revealed that swine flu cases could rise given the rainy season which causes the virus to spread rapidly. 

The influenza A, H1N1 was first confirmed in the country in October last year. Since then about 341cases have been treated and recovered completely.

Experts warn that the public must remain vigilant as regards the prevention citing that covering of noses and mouths when sneezing and coughing, washing hands regularly and quick medical consultation for suspected cases is vital.

The Ministry of Health, through TRAC Plus, the National Reference Laboratory and other institutions, is monitoring the situation closely and continues to work on improving the emergency preparedness capacity and surveillance.

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