The number of H1N1 influenza cases in South Africa has decreased considerably, for the last three weeks up to 1 November 2009 there has been no confirmed case in the country.
However, on 1 November 2009, a 28 year old female who is 33 weeks pregnant and travelled from Dubai, was admitted to intensive care unit with H1N1. The risk to contract the infection has shifted to travellers specifically those travelling to the northern hemisphere. Disease activity in the northern hemisphere continues to spread and increase in intensity. In Europe, North America and Canada, countries are reporting nationwide increased rates of influenza-like illness with high rates of pandemic H1N1 2009 virus detections.
The department wishes to request travellers to maintain a high level of alert and caution when travelling to any country in the northern hemisphere. What can the travellers do to protect themselves from getting sick? There is no vaccine available at present in South Africa against influenza A (H1N1). However, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
These include:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash bin after you use it
* Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people
* If you get sick with influenza, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to limit the spread of germs
* Travellers should exercise the precautionary measures as stated above and discuss the use of vaccinations with the local physicians, if available in the country of destination.
What should people do if they suspect that they have influenza A (H1N1)?
The clinical presentation of influenza A H1N1 infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza and other acute upper respiratory tract infections. This includes fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea. When you experience these symptoms, report to the nearest health facility.
Issued by: Department of Health
3 November 2009
