Health ministry urges public to take precautions to avoid swine flu

WINDHOEK, 17 JUL  – The Ministry of Health and Social Services has urged the public to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting infected with swine flu as cases of the virus continue to increase.
A statement released on Tuesday by the ministry’s acting Permanent Secretary, Petronella Masabane, said since the first cases of the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, were reported by private health facilities in Windhoek in June, there has been an increase reported countrywide.
The statement said thus far, 70 cases have been laboratory-confirmed of which 35 are from Windhoek; 24 from Okahandja; six from Rehoboth; two from Gobabis and one each from Aranos, Ondangwa and Katima Mulilo.
Of the 70 cases, 28 are children aged five and younger; 10 are children aged between five and nine years and 32 cases range between ages 10 and 80.
“The virus has been circulating in the last decade, all year round. However, cases peak during winter, meaning people will get ill from this particular strain,” the statement said.
The virus is primarily transmitted through coughing and sneezing or direct contact with surfaces contaminated with infected droplets.
People most at risk are children under the age of five years, elderly people over 65 years, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.
The ministry said the best protection against H1N1 is the seasonal flu vaccination.
The Influenza H1N1 strain is included in the seasonal flu vaccine, which is available in Namibia.
Other prevention measures include practicing respiratory hygiene by covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and washing the hands often with soap and water.
Namibia experienced a large scale of the virus in 2009-2010, where over 8 000 cases were reported, of which 102 cases tested positive.
(NAMPA)