Western region on alert against further spread Swine Flu

KARONGI – The reported cases of the outbreak of influenza A H1N1 also known as Swine Flu in two out of the seven districts in the Western Province has led to local authorities instituting measures to combat the further spread of the contagious disease. Speaking last week to local health officials in Karongi district, the District’s health director, Jean Bosco Rutayisire told officials that appropriate measures have been put in place to check the spread of the outbreak. “Our district should be prepared in any possible way to stop the further spread of the disease in our region since it has already been confirmed in some parts,” Rutayisire said. Rutayisire urged the officials to implement the recommended preventive measures against the disease. Last week, sources say that 4 new swine flu cases were indentified in Gisenyi prison and Rubavu District officials have laid strategies to prevent its spread. “We have evacuated one block in the prison and any new suspected case are kept under intense medical attention,” Brigdite Gasarasi, an official in charge of health at the district told The New Times yesterday by telephone. Even though the flu has not been reported in Nyamasheke, Nyabihu, Ngororero and Rutsiro districts, statics indicate that cases have increased to 10 in Rusizi district. Ends