Swine Flu here

•Govt says no cause for alarm. KIGALI - The deadly influenza HINI virus popularly known as Swine flu is now reported in the country with four people admitted in King Faisal hospital. According to a statement from Ministry of Health, the virus was brought into the country by a traveller who was returning from the United States. It immediately grabbed two members of her family and a staff member of King Faisal Hospital. “Four cases have so far been confirmed, we have isolated those found with the condition and we are trying as much as possible to contain the situation,” Juliet Mbabazi the Chief Executive Officer of King Faisal said. Ministry of Health said the situation was being contained and that there was no cause for alarm. The ministry said that for the past 7 months, Rwanda has been preparing itself for this pandemic that has already hit our neighbours. “A number of measures have been instituted to contain the outbreak. An emergency working group composed of TRAC Plus, National Reference Laboratory, Rwanda Health Communication Center, CAMERWA, referral hospitals and Partners has started working immediately,” a statement from the ministry said. The ministry said more than 14,000 treatment doses of Tamiflu, a drug used to treat the virus and protective equipment are available. The Ministry advised institutions like schools, Military camps and prisons to take caution and report any suspected cases. “People should continue with their day-to-day activities as usual,” the statement said. “Individuals are advised to cover their mouths and nose while coughing or sneezing, to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and to seek medical attention if they develop severe symptoms of influenza.” Ends