H1N1 flu strain hits Namibia
Seven cases of the seasonal influenza strain H1N1, previously known as swine flu, were confirmed in Namibia this week, with four patients admitted to hospitals.
“There is no swine flu outbreak in Namibia, but rather an increase in seasonal influenza A H1N1 cases,” the ministry underlined in a statement issued yesterday.
The ministry confirmed that on Tuesday, a confirmed case of Influenza A H1N1 was reported by a private health facility in Windhoek, and that by Wednesday seven laboratory-confirmed cases had been recorded.
The ministry clarified that influenza A H1N1, previously termed swine flu, was reclassified as a seasonal influenza virus by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after the 2009 global pandemic.
The ministry advised that a seasonal influenza vaccination “is the best protection available against flu” and the influenza A H1N1 strain is included in the seasonal flu shots available in Namibia.
The virus has circulated over the last decade, all year round, but peaks during winter, the ministry said.
Symptoms from this particular strain include fever, coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Between 2009 and 2010, Namibia experienced a large-scale H1N1 outbreak where over 8 000 suspected cases were reported, out of which 102 tested positive. One death was reported.
Most cases were reported in the Ohangwena, Omusati and //Karas regions.
In 2018, 106 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 were reported in Namibia and two people died.
Most regions were affected, apart from Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwena, Kavango and //Karas.
The virus is primarily transmitted via coughing and sneezing or direct contact with contaminated surfaces. High-risk groups include children under the age of five, elderly people over the age of 65, pregnant women, individuals whose immune systems are compromised and those with chronic underlying medical conditions.
The public are advised that because it is flu season, it is to be expected that there will be more cases.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms or signs of the disease should have bed rest, take plenty of fluids and manage their fever and cough with over-the-counter medication.
Seek medical attention only if the flu symptoms become severe, the ministry said.
JANA-MARI SMITH
“There is no swine flu outbreak in Namibia, but rather an increase in seasonal influenza A H1N1 cases,” the ministry underlined in a statement issued yesterday.
The ministry confirmed that on Tuesday, a confirmed case of Influenza A H1N1 was reported by a private health facility in Windhoek, and that by Wednesday seven laboratory-confirmed cases had been recorded.
The ministry clarified that influenza A H1N1, previously termed swine flu, was reclassified as a seasonal influenza virus by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after the 2009 global pandemic.
The ministry advised that a seasonal influenza vaccination “is the best protection available against flu” and the influenza A H1N1 strain is included in the seasonal flu shots available in Namibia.
The virus has circulated over the last decade, all year round, but peaks during winter, the ministry said.
Symptoms from this particular strain include fever, coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Between 2009 and 2010, Namibia experienced a large-scale H1N1 outbreak where over 8 000 suspected cases were reported, out of which 102 tested positive. One death was reported.
Most cases were reported in the Ohangwena, Omusati and //Karas regions.
In 2018, 106 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 were reported in Namibia and two people died.
Most regions were affected, apart from Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwena, Kavango and //Karas.
The virus is primarily transmitted via coughing and sneezing or direct contact with contaminated surfaces. High-risk groups include children under the age of five, elderly people over the age of 65, pregnant women, individuals whose immune systems are compromised and those with chronic underlying medical conditions.
The public are advised that because it is flu season, it is to be expected that there will be more cases.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms or signs of the disease should have bed rest, take plenty of fluids and manage their fever and cough with over-the-counter medication.
Seek medical attention only if the flu symptoms become severe, the ministry said.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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