panic
29 April 2009
The Department of Health would like to appeal to members of the public not
to panic as a result of the Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) currently experienced
in some parts of the world.
To date, there are no cases of Swine Influenza reported in South Africa.
However, adequate measures have been taken to ensure the countryâs preparedness
and response should any case(s) be identified in the country.
These measures include amongst others:
* drafting guidelines such as National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
* plan and Influenza Case Management guidelines
* outbreak response teams are operational in all provinces
* training of provincial Rapid Response Teams on Influenza pandemic
* preparedness and response have been conducted in all provinces
* assessment of capacity for epidemic preparedness and response including port
health services within the context of International Health Regulations
* heightened clinical and laboratory surveillance are in place to identify any
suspected human case(s) of Swine Influenza.
Generally, the Department of Health is working closely with various
stakeholders including the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD),
Department of Agriculture and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in closely
monitoring the situation and the public is assured of information should any
case(s) be identified.
Note: General information on Swine Influenza is contained below.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Cell: 079 517 3333
Tel: 012 312 0663
Introduction
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported an outbreak of Swine
Influenza A (H1N1) in Mexico, United States of America, Spain and Canada. Swine
Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A
influenza viruses, but also affects humans. The recent outbreak has shown that
person to person transmission is taking place and this is of particular concern
to the health authorities.
Current status
As of 27 April 2009, the United States has reported 40 laboratory confirmed
human cases of Swine influenza, with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26
confirmed human cases, with seven deaths. Canada has reported 6 cases with no
death, while Spain has reported 1 case with no death.
To date, there are no cases of Swine Influenza reported in South Africa.
However, adequate measures have been taken to ensure preparedness and response
should any case be identified in the country.
These include:
* drafting of guidelines such as National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan,
Influenza Case management guidelines
* outbreak response team are operational in all provinces
* training of Provincial Rapid Response Teams on influenza pandemic
preparedness and response have been conducted in all Provinces
* heightened clinical and laboratory surveillance are in place to
identify any suspected human case of Swine Influenza
*·assessment of capacity for Epidemic Preparedness and Response including port
health services in context of International Health Regulations. Port health
acts as the first line of defence by carrying the necessary screening
* the Department of Health is collaborating with stakeholders such as the
department of Agriculture and WHO.
How do you catch swine flu?
Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:
* through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine
flu viruses
* through contact with a person with swine flu. Human to human spread of swine
flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as
seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person to person through
coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
* Yes, there are drugs which are available on the advice of a clinician.
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with Swine Influenza virus infection should be considered potentially
contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven days
following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might
potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are
everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause
respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Everyday steps to protect your health:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the
tissue in the trash after you use it
* Wash your 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. Germs spread this
way.
What should I do if I suspect I have swine flu?
The clinical presentation of Swine Influenza 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 the above symptoms, report to nearest health
facility.
Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
In Children:
* fast breathing or trouble breathing
* not drinking enough fluids
* not waking up or not interacting
* being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* flu like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* fever with a rash
In adults:
* difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* sudden dizziness
Can I get Swine Influenza when I eat pork?
No. Swine Influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get Swine
Influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked
pork products is safe.
The Department of Health in collaboration with stakeholders is monitoring
the outbreak closely and will update the public as more information becomes
available.
For more information, contact WHO website www.who.int/
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
29 April 2009
Source: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
