Social distancing returns amid swine flu fears
Namibians are urged to protect themselves from possible infection by adhering to social distancing and coughing etiquette and wearing masks after preliminary reports from the Kavango West Region have pointed to a possible H1N1 outbreak.
H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses.
Transmission to humans is uncommon; however, the virus can be transmitted to humans via contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine influenza viruses.
Health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe yesterday said they have activated surveillance processes to verify reports and will make an official announcement today.
“H1N1 is a respiratory disease and we urge people to behave in such a manner to prevent spreading the disease. So far, preliminary reports are coming from Kavango West. We need people to comply with the coughing etiquette and protect themselves and others. We have learnt great lessons from Covid-19,” he said.
Symptoms
Namibia experienced a large-scale swine flu outbreak between 2009 and 2010, with over 8 000 cases reported. Of those, 102 cases tested positive.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reclassified swine flu as seasonal influenza in 2009, yet in 2019, Namibia reported yet another outbreak of the virus.
Swine flu symptoms include a fever above 38 degrees Celsius, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, watery, red eyes, body aches, headaches, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
People at higher risk of serious complications from infection include children younger than five, people 65 and older, pregnant people and those with certain long-term health conditions like asthma, lung disease, diabetes and heart disease.
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H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses.
Transmission to humans is uncommon; however, the virus can be transmitted to humans via contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine influenza viruses.
Health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe yesterday said they have activated surveillance processes to verify reports and will make an official announcement today.
“H1N1 is a respiratory disease and we urge people to behave in such a manner to prevent spreading the disease. So far, preliminary reports are coming from Kavango West. We need people to comply with the coughing etiquette and protect themselves and others. We have learnt great lessons from Covid-19,” he said.
Symptoms
Namibia experienced a large-scale swine flu outbreak between 2009 and 2010, with over 8 000 cases reported. Of those, 102 cases tested positive.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reclassified swine flu as seasonal influenza in 2009, yet in 2019, Namibia reported yet another outbreak of the virus.
Swine flu symptoms include a fever above 38 degrees Celsius, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, watery, red eyes, body aches, headaches, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
People at higher risk of serious complications from infection include children younger than five, people 65 and older, pregnant people and those with certain long-term health conditions like asthma, lung disease, diabetes and heart disease.
[email protected]
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