The Eastern Cape Health Department wishes to reassure the public that everything possible is being done to deal with the outbreak of H1N1 influenza in the province.
We can now confirm the first death, that of a 27 year old pregnant woman from Jansenville who died due to pandemic H1N1influenza within 24 hours of her admission at Dora Nginza hospital on 8 August 2009. As of 1 July 2009 to date, the province has a total of 88 confirmed cases and the areas affected are:
* East London: 56
* Grahamstown: 9
* Uitenhage: 6
* Port Elizabeth: 5
* St Francis Bay: 1
* Jeffreys Bay: 1
* King Williams Town: 1
* Humansdorp: 2
* Cradock: 1
* Queenstown: 1
* Jansenville: 1 (deceased)
The majority of these cases have been mild and the reported death in the province should not be a cause for panic. Any person with chronic heart or lung diseases, diabetes, HIV and AIDS or who is pregnant, are at risk for severe disease and should seek immediate medical attention, especially those in the age group 14 to 30 years, which is where most infections appear to occur.
Learners, students at universities and other institutions of higher should be particularly on alert for the development of symptoms. If they develop mild flu-like symptoms they should stay at home and only return when they are better. They should seek medical attention should they develop any danger signs such as weakness, severe drowsiness, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, inability to drink fluids and dehydration.
The province has put in place preventative measures which include:
Training of the outbreak response team by our epidemiologists made up of:
* communications directorate
* pharmaceutical services
* health promotion services
* environmental health services
* epidemiological services
* communicable diseases directorate
Officials have been dispatched to various parts of the province to embark on a massive awareness campaign. We have also launched a media awareness campaign on national radio stations, newspapers, community radio stations and community newspapers. Posters and pamphlets are being distributed to districts and schools around the province.
* Buffalo City KWT: has received information, education and 3 600 communication material in 27 communities, 16 schools and churches
* Lukhanji: has received information, education and 1 700 communication material in communities, eight schools and churches
* Kouga: has received information, education and 2 000 communication material in communities and 16 schools
* NMM: has received information, education and 7 000 communication material in communities and 18 Schools
* Buffalo City: has received information, education and 10 500 communication material in communities, churches and 21 schools i.e. Mdantsane, Pefferville, Duncan Village, Cambridge Buffalo flats, Ziphunzana ,Reeston , Egoli Gqobasi, Gonubie, Ducats.
Pharmaceutical services
440 packs of a special H1N1 flu medicine ‘Tamiflu’ have been purchased and distributed by the Eastern Cape Department of Health to 10 hospitals of the Eastern Cape namely Frere, Nelson Mandela Academic, Livingstone Humansdorp, Midland, Frontier, Aliwal North, Madzikane kaZulu, St Patricks, Taylor Bequest. This is just for a start as more hospitals will be included as the demand increases.
The awareness campaign continues and we have planned visits to the following areas:
Port Elizabeth metropolitan:
17 August 2009
OR Tambo:
K.D and Mhlontlo - 13 August 2009
Qaukeni - 14 August 2009
Nyandeni - 17 August 2009
Maluti:
Umzimvubu - 18 August 2009
Ukhahlamba:
Maletswai - 13 August 2009
Lundini - 14 August 2009
Chris Hani:
Engcobo and Sakhisizwe - 17 August 2009
Emalahleni and Intsika Yethu - 18 August 2009
Lukhanji and Cradock - 19 August 2009
Conclusion
Eastern Cape Department of Health is taking preventive measures to H1N1 as the most important measure.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue into a dust bin and close it.
* Wash your hands with soap and water.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you do get sick with influenza it is recommended that you seek medical advice and avoid groups of people until you get well.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
17 August 2009
Iyvon
