adminTHE country has witnessed a sharp rise in influenza cases this year with over 200 000 cases having been reported in the first six months of the year, almost double the number of cases reported in the same period last year. Various health institutions have reported an upsurge in influenza patients, with some said to be experiencing severe symptoms, signalling a more vicious flu bug that has hit the country.
Statistics obtained from the Ministry of Health and Child Care show that 14 166 cases of influenza were recorded during the week ending 13 July, bringing the total number of cases recorded so far to 249 000 countrywide.
Last year, during the same period, 120 000 cases were reported nationwide with about 10 000 cases of the virus having been recorded by July. According to a weekly report on epidemic prone diseases by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, no deaths as a result of the flu bug have been recorded.
A breakdown of cases recorded in each province was, however, not readily available.
Ministry of Health and Child Care director of epidemiology and disease control Dr Portia Manangazira attributed the sharp rise in influenza cases to colder temperatures this year compared to the same period last year.
Dr Manangazira said although it was normal for the country to get an increase in the number of influenza cases during winter, the number of cases recorded so far this year appeared unusual.
She said the country was likely to witness a longer and colder winter period, hence more cases of the bug were likely to be recorded.
“It’s a relatively colder winter this year than last year. We expect an upsurge in influenza cases this season because of the low temperatures and the fact that our winter is likely to be longer this year.
“We used to record cases and receive reports of influenza between May and September but this year the trends show the cases may go on being reported beyond September,” she said.
Dr Manangazira said the influenza bug prevailing this year was more vicious than the bugs experienced in the previous years and could result in people suffering from severe headaches and fevers.
She urged people to keep warm during the winter season and quickly seek medical attention once they show signs and symptoms of the virus.
“Flu is a virus and there is no cure. All people can do is deal with the symptoms. Generally people should stay warm during this period of the year. When one sees symptoms of the virus they should quickly seek medical attention or even turn to the traditional remedies such as lemons, garlic and ginger,” she said.
“We have observed that this bug we are experiencing is a bit vicious compared to previous years. It’s different from the ordinary bug which simply causes nose running and coughing. This one can actually require someone to get bed rest.
“People shouldn’t panic when they are attacked by the bug but should simply take medication and of course a lot of fluids.”
According to the weekly report from the health ministry no cases of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) have been reported in the country since week 44 of the year 2010.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter