Swine flu cases increase in Musanze

MUSANZE - Six more people have been diagnosed with Influenza A H1N1 in the Northern Province, bringing the total number of cases to seven. Those infected include a laboratory assistant from Ruhengeri Hospital, two students from Regina Pacis Secondary School, and a local resident, all in Musanze District. Others include a nurse from Kinoni Health Centre, and another resident in Burera District. The first case of the virus in Musanze was reported last week. A health specialist from Ruhengeri Hospital, Imaculee Mukeshimana, said those infected have been isolated and are being treated from their homes to avoid risks of transmitting the virus to other patients in the hospital. Appearing on local radio station Mukeshimana stressed that the disease is curable and should not therefore cause alarm. She explained that the first person to get infected has healed and resumed work, adding that relatives and friends of those who have healed should not keep isolating such people. ‘After seven days the victims are rendered negative and cannot transmit the virus,” she said. Sources from Reco-Rwasco, indicated that, the person who had been discharged after suffering from Swine Flu, was being stigmatised despite having completed his treatment programme. Ends