There are now 38 people who have been positively confirmed with H1N1 swine flu in Mpumalanga. While the numbers seem to be increasing, this can also be seen as a positive development because it means more and more people are now aware of the flu and are reporting early to health facilities. Reporting early is very critical in the prevention and better management of the pandemic.
We are also very pleased by the role the private health practitioners are playing because most cases are in fact reported from private health facilities.
Once more the MEC for Health and Social Development Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu would like to urge all people not to panic and remain calm, because we have plans in place to manage the pandemic.
“What remains important is a need for all people to report as early as possible to any health facility-public or private once they detect symptoms of Swine flu,” said MEC Mahlangu.
Table 1: Mpumalanga Novel Influenza A/H1N1 cases 6 July to 12 August 2009 http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/healthsocserv/news/media_releases/2009/20090813.htm
Current interventions:
* From 19 August all health promotion activities will be focused on H1N1 so that Mpumalanga will be part of the huge national drive on that day.
* Health promotion focuses on crèches and schools
* Currently we are distributing posters and flyers to areas to increase awareness
* All outbreak response teams in the province are activated and meet at least once a week. We have also roped in provincial Department of Education so that we can develop a common awareness campaigns.
For more information contact:
Mpho Gabashane
Cell: 082 802 4937
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
13 August 2009
Source: Department of Health and Social Development, Mpumalanga Provincial Government (http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/healthsocserv/)
