Swine Flu cases could increase – official

Cases of the influenza A, H1N1, also known as Swine Flu, may increase now that the rainy season has begun – an official in the Ministry of Health yesterday warned.According to Dr. Justin Wane, the Head of the Swine Flu Response Team, the season which started this month gives ample chances for the virus to spread rapidly. “Since the internal flu outbreak in October last year, 341 cases have been treated and recovered completely. As of Monday, only two had been confirmed in Musanze via our regional sentinel surveillance site. “Although transmission has been low in the past few weeks, we expect that more cases will be reported considering that the rainy season which favours spread started this month,” Wane told The New Times. The medical expert warns 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. Swine Flu was first confirmed in Mexico, early last year. Since then it has spread to the rest of the world. Ministry of Health officials however maintain that there are no severe cases of the flu as confirmed cases recover quickly. “The rate at which patients are recovering is indeed commendable and there is no need for alarm since this flu is treatable. We have the necessary treatment doses and enough capacity to handle these cases,” the Health Minister, Dr. Richard Sezibera recently assured. 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. Institutions like schools, military camps and prisons are advised to take precautions and report any suspected cases immediately. Ends