The Ministry of Health says it has observed an increase of influenza-like illnesses during this time of the year. Data from recent surveillance shows that Influenza A is the main circulating virus, the ministry posted on X Mu bihe nk'ibi by'umwaka, hagaragara cyane indwara y'ibicurane. Ibipimo bigaragaza ko virusi itera ibicurane yo mu bwoko bwa Influenza A ariyo yiganje. Kugeza ubu, nta bwoko bushya bw' ibicurane bwagaragaye mu Rwanda. Mu gihe urwaye ibicurane: - Gana muganga - Gira umuco w'... pic.twitter.com/0sV6uRls4a — Ministry of Health | Rwanda (@RwandaHealth) January 7, 2025 No new strains have been detected in Rwanda, the ministry said, advising that if you present flu-like symptoms, you need to: seek medical care, wash your hands frequently to maintain good hygiene, use a face mask, and avoid close contact with others to reduce transmission of the virus. Influenza A virus is the only species of the genus Alphainfluenzavirus of the virus family Orthomyxoviridae. It is a pathogen with strains that infect birds and some mammals, as well as causing seasonal flu in humans. Mammals in which different strains of the virus circulate with sustained transmission are bats, pigs, horses, and dogs but other mammals can occasionally become infected. The ministry’s warning came amid reports that rates of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory disease that causes cold and flu-like symptoms, are surging in northern regions of China, raising concerns about the possible spread of the virus. Experts are reassuring that an increase in cases is typical for winter seasons, when several respiratory infections such as flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually see upward trends.
