The ministry of health has issued an influenza outbreak alert in the wake of fears of a resurgence of coronoavirus. Acting Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth in a news release says the country is recording increased cases of influenza. He however downplays its intensity saying the phenomenon is expected this time of the year. He says the media has reported a rise in respiratory infections linking it to a possible COVID-19(SARS CoV Omicron JNI) but assures that this is not the case.
We wish to reassure the public that the ministry has a robust surveillance system that monitors the emergence and spread of flu and other pathogens of national,regional and global concern.
Dr Patrick Amoth
“We wish to reassure the public that the ministry has a robust surveillance system that monitors the emergence and spread of flu and other pathogens of national,regional and global concern. Among the pathogens monitored are those that have a high potential to cause epidemic flu such as SARS CoV-2(COVID-19), influenza virus, and other pathogens that are implicated in upper and lower respiratory infections. None of the surveillance sites have reported an increase in the numbers of Covid-19 but increased cases of influenza have been reported, “he said.
USE OF MASKS IN PUBLIC PLACES
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He is asking those infected to limit contact with others and also warning those not infected to avoid contact with those who are sick with respiratory symptoms. In other measures to contain the spread, the ministry has released a raft of measures that include observing proper hygiene, getting a flu vaccine and use of masks in public places. Expectant women,children, the aged and other vulnerable groups are advised to visit a health care facility if they experience or show signs of breathing difficulties.
Dr Amoth says there has been no significant changes in the number of hospitalizations nor deaths reported.