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  • Outbreaks March 2010 +

    Tema, March 24,GNA - A total of 39 HINI cases, a respiratory disease popularly known as Swine Flu, were recorded by the Tema Health Directorate as at Sunday.

    Out of the 134 phlegm specimen sent by the Directorate to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for test, 95 tested negative, while the 39 returned positive.

    Dr. Mrs. Ernestina Mensah-Quainoo, Tema Metropolitan Health Director, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said those affected were children from six schools in the Metropolis. She said the schools were located at Tema Manhean, Tema Communities Six, Eight and 11, as well as Sakumono.

    The Metro Health Director indicated that anti virals, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which is one of the effective medicines for the disease had been administered to the affected children and those who they share physical contact with.

    She assured parents and residents not to panic, as the Directorate had in stock enough Tamiflu to control the disease in the Metropolis. Dr. Mrs. Mensah-Quainoo noted that to collectively find control measures on the outbreak, her outfit organized a stakeholders' meeting on Tuesday.

    The Health Director said, the stakeholders included representatives from the Metropolitan Education Directorate, various Security Agencies, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and the Kpone and Tema Traditional Councils.

    She pleaded with residents, school children and teachers, to desist from stigmatizing affected people and their relatives but rather encourage people with the symptoms to seek for early medical care from any of the public health institutions in the Metropolis.

    Dr. Mrs. Mensa-Quainoo also entreated the public to regularly wash their hands with soap and water, or rub their hands with alcohol when available, in order to avoid contracting the disease. HINI is a disease caused by a virus, and affects the respiratory system. Its symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and headaches.The other symptoms are chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhoea.

    Tema, March 24,GNA - A total of 39 HINI cases, a respiratory disease popularly known as Swine Flu, were recorded by the Tema Health Directorate as at Sunday.

  • #2
    Re: Tema records 39 Swine Flu cases

    H1N1 Emergency Meeting held in Tema

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    The Tema Health Directorate and stakeholders in the Tema region have held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to deliberate on strategies aimed at finding lasting measures to the spread of the H1N1 Influenza in the Tema region.

    The emergency meeting comes following the outbreak of 23 new cases among children in the region. The Tema Metropolitan Director of Health Services, Dr Ernestina Mensah-Quainoo said the outbreak of the disease should be a great concern to all communities, since it could affect the entire region if immediate measures being put in place are not adhered to. She said although the directorate is doing everything possible to eradicate the disease, stakeholders must collaborate with the Directorate to ensure that the disease is contained.

    Dr Mensah-Quainoo charged residents in the various communities to encourage sick people with symptoms of the disease to seek early treatment. She also asked them to support what she termed social distance and isolation when requested by health officials.

    Dr Mensah-Quainoo advised chemical sellers and pharmacy shops to encourage sick people with fever, flu, sore throat and cough to report to the health facilities for proper medication, instead of prescribing medicines for them.

    The meeting was attended by representatives from the Traditional Councils, the National Security Services, the Transport sector, Private Schools, the Tema Education Directorate and the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies. They pledged their preparedness to assist the Health Directorate in its efforts to fight the disease.


    Posted on: Wednesday, 24, March, 2010 Source: GBC NEWS


    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

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    • #3
      Re: Tema records 39 Swine Flu cases

      Six Okuapeman SHS students contract Pandemic Flu

      Last Updated: Wednesday, 24 March 2010, 18:44 GMT Previous Page


      Six female students of the Okuapeman Senior High School at Akropong in the Akwapim North District of the Eastern Region have been confirmed as haven the A (H1N1) virus also known as the Pandemic Flu.

      Samples from these students were taken to the Noguchi Research Centre where it was confirmed, after the pandemic broke on Sunday, March 21.

      Thirty (30) other students with suspected cases are currently being quarantined to prevent further spread of the virus. The Eastern Regional Health and Education Directorates are however calling on the public especially parents to maintain calm since the situation is under control.

      The Headmaster of Okuapeman Senior High School, Felix Essah-Hienno confirmed the matter when a delegation comprising the Akwapim North and Eastern Regional Health and Education Directorates, led by the Eastern Regional Minister, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo visited the school to ascertain the facts.

      Felix Essah-Hienno disclosed that some female students started showing some symptoms on the eve of Sunday, March 21, and the affected students were rushed to the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital at Mampong-Akwapim. He said the health team took samples to the Noguchi Research Center where they were confirmed to be A (H1N1) or the Pandemic Flu.

      He said although most of the affected students are in stable conditions, hospital authorities have advised that the students remained quarantined for a minimum of one week before being discharged. The Eastern Regional Director of Health, Dr. Erasmus Agombo who was part of the delegation and spoke to JOY NEWS confirmed that all six samples taken to the Noguchi Research Centre were confirmed to be H1N1.

      He said authorities have put in place measures to manage the situation, where those with severe cases are on admission at the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital while the rest are in isolation at the school. He added that the students have been educated on the pandemic. Dr. Agombo said health workers in the district have been duly informed of the situation and are ready to deal with cases.

      He said authorities were yet to identify the source of the spread since the students were writing examinations before a full scale investigation begins. It is however believed that some of the students infected earlier had brought the infection with them on their return from the mid-term break.

      The Eastern Regional Minister, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo who led the delegation told JOY NEWS that the regional health and education directorates have responded swiftly to the matter. He said the committee set to monitor and address the A (H1N1) or Pandemic Flu, and the school authorities did well in ensuring the confirmation of the cases as of Tuesday March 23.

      Hospital authorities added that another batch of samples have been sent to the Noguchi Research Centre for further analysis. Authorities further pointed out a suspected case which emanated from the Mampong township. They say however that the rest of the suspected cases are yet to be confirmed.

      The general public is therefore advised to be vigilant since the symptoms are similar to ordinary cold. Other symptoms include sore throat, dry cough, runny nose and severe headaches among others. The public is advised to seek immediate medical attention in such instances.

      In case of confirmed infection, victims are advised to cover their mouths and nose while sneezing or coughing to prevent further spread of the virus. Un-infected persons are also advised to wash their hands with soap, and avoid close contact with infected persons.



      Story by Benjamin Henaku/Akropong Akwapim
      Myjoyonline.com/Ghana


      Twitter: @RonanKelly13
      The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Tema records 39 Swine Flu cases

        The Achimota School has reported the outbreak of H1N1 Flu otherwise known as the ?Swine Flu?.

        The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate confirmed the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in an interview with Asempa News.

        The Directorate says the school is strictly monitoring events in the school even though the situation is not that alarming.

        The Schedule Officer at the Directorate, Mr. O. Wula in an interview with Asempa News said that about three cases have been sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical and Scientific Research for tests.

        Mr. Wula has however assured parents whose wards are in the school that, the situation is under control.

        Meanwhile some anxious parents who spoke to Asempa News on condition of anonymity blamed authorities of the Achimota School for trying to put a lid on the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza in the School.

        They are demanding that their wards be released to come home and see their private doctors since they suspect the treatment being administered to them at the school may not cure the disease.

        Meanwhile, the Chief Research Scientist at the Noguchi, Kofi Boni, also confirmed that Noguchi has received samples from Achimota School for examination.

        In a related development, Mr. Boni said Noguchi has finished the tests conducted on blood samples taken from over 200 pupils from the Tema Parents School, some of whom he said tested positive.

        Meanwhile Human Rights advocate, Nana Oye Lithur has called for legal action to be taken against teachers of Achimota Basic School who she accuses of harbouring children of the school after detecting the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in the school.

        According to her, parents have the right to know the health status of their children, yet when the disease was detected, school authorities did not inform the parents, but rather brought in doctors to come and educate the children on the disease.

        Speaking in an interview with Asempa News, Nana Lithur said bringing doctors to diagnose and educate the children was in the right direction, but the school authorities should have informed the parents of the children.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Tema records 39 Swine Flu cases

          H1N1 hits Okuapeman, Achimota Schools

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          There is an outbreak of H1N1 at Okuapeman Senior High School at Akropong Akuapem in the Akuapem North District. The Eastern Regional Directorate of Health Services says 35 students have been affected and they are responding to treatment.

          Ten of them are at the sick bay of the school while 25 are on admission at the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital at Mampong Akuapem.

          The Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Erasmus Agongo, told Radio Ghana in Koforidua. He said six out of the first ten cases of the disease were reported on Sunday. Tests conducted on them at the Noguchi Memorial medical Research Institute proved positive.

          Dr. Agongo said the Regional and District Health Directorates are taking steps to contain the disease. He advised parents and guardians not to panic since everything is under control. The campus is calm, the students are busy writing their end of term examinations.

          Meanwhile The Achimota School has also reported the outbreak of H1N1 Flu otherwise known as the ?Swine Flu?. The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate confirmed the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in an interview with Asempa News.

          The Directorate says the school is strictly monitoring events in the school even though the situation is not that alarming.

          The Schedule Officer at the Directorate, Mr. O. Wula in an interview with Asempa News said that about three cases have been sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical and Scientific Research for tests.

          Mr. Wula has however assured parents whose wards are in the school that, the situation is under control.

          Meanwhile some anxious parents who spoke to Asempa News on condition of anonymity blamed authorities of the Achimota School for trying to put a lid on the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza in the School.

          They are demanding that their wards be released to come home and see their private doctors since they suspect the treatment being administered to them at the school may not cure the disease.

          Meanwhile, the Chief Research Scientist at the Noguchi, Kofi Boni, also confirmed that Noguchi has received samples from Achimota School for examination.

          In a related development, Mr. Boni said Noguchi has finished the tests conducted on blood samples taken from over 200 pupils from the Tema Parents School, some of whom he said tested positive.

          Meanwhile Human Rights advocate, Nana Oye Lithur has called for legal action to be taken against teachers of Achimota Basic School who she accuses of harbouring children of the school after detecting the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in the school.

          According to her, parents have the right to know the health status of their children, yet when the disease was detected, school authorities did not inform the parents, but rather brought in doctors to come and educate the children on the disease.

          Speaking in an interview with Asempa News, Nana Lithur said bringing doctors to diagnose and educate the children was in the right direction, but the school authorities should have informed the parents of the children.



          Posted on: Thursday, 25, March, 2010 Source: GBC/Asempa FM


          Twitter: @RonanKelly13
          The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Tema records 39 Swine Flu cases

            Achimota ?swine flu pupils? integrated into the school



            Last Updated: Sunday, 28 March 2010, 22:32 GMT


            Two out of the three school children who were infected with the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) at the basic Department of the Achimota School have been integrated into the school after they were treated and declared free from the disease.

            The last pupil was expected to join his mates in school later, after he was also confirmed to be cured from the disease.

            The Head Teacher of the Achimota Basic School, Frank Armah, who disclosed this in an interview with Asempa News, said the reports that they were infected while in school was not true.

            Mr. Armah explained that the school detected the disease after they had returned from a mid-term holidays and the victims were taking to the Achimota Hospital of which tests confirmed H1N1 flu positive.

            He said after the detection the children were asked to go home and see their various doctors for treatment.

            He added that after returning to the school, they were taking to the Achimota Hospital for another test which proved negative of the H1N1 flu.

            Reacting to a publication that some parents have gone to the school for their children due to the diseases, Mr. Armah said no parent has gone to the school for his/her child.

            He said some parents, upon hearing the news,came all the way from the Brong Ahafo, to the school, but returned, after they realized it was not serious.

            Mr. Armah said the school has disinfectants in all the dormitories and would keep disinfecting the dormitories to avoid any attack.

            He said the situation has been brought under control and therefore called on parents not to fear.

            It would be recalled that Asempa News on Monday, 22nd of March, 2010, broke the news of the outbreak of the H1N1 flu in the school which was confirmed by the Greater Accra Regional Schedule Officer of the Ghana Health Service, Oxygen Wula.


            So

            Story: Kwaku Antwi-Otoo (Asempa FM)


            Twitter: @RonanKelly13
            The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Tema records 39 Swine Flu cases

              The Achimota School (Basic Department) has been dosed down following the outbreak of the Influenza Pandemic HINI in the school.

              The closure, on Saturday, saw many parents rushing to the school to pick their wards. The school is scheduled to re-open on April6.

              The Times during a visit on Sunday, found the school deserted.

              A general notice signed by the headmaster and posted on the school's board read: "In view of the outbreak of the Influenza Pandemic H1N1, the school has been temporarily closed down from today, Saturday, March 27, 2010. Boarders will return to school on Tuesday April 6 and normal classes will begin on Wednesday April 7."

              A source close to the school said by that date, the school would have been fumigated to make it safe.

              The source said for fear that the pandemic might spread to the Senior Department of the Achimota School, health officials from the Korle-Bu Teaching and Achimota hospitals on Saturday lectured the students on the symptoms and manifestation of the pandemic and how to avoid it.

              The Pandemic Influenza H1N1 is a disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system.

              Its symptoms are fever, cough or sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue and in some cases, vomiting and diarrhoea.

              Complications of the disease include pneumonia and difficulty in breathing.

              Death may occur if severe complication (severe pneumonia) occurs.

              Influenza viruses are mainly spread from one person to another through droplets released during coughing or sneezing (as in any flu).

              Sometimes people may become infected by touching surfaces or holding objects.

              Such as hands, door handles, handkerchief, tissue paper contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.

              It would be recalled that Galaxy International School at Abelenkpe and Tema Parent School were also closed down following the outbreak of the H1N1 pandemic.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Tema records 39 Swine Flu cases

                Swine Flu Hits Achimota Basic School


                Dr Benjamine Kumbour , health minister.The H1N1 flu, otherwise known as swine flu, does not seem to go away, with the Achimota Basic School being its latest destination.

                Three cases of the H1N1 flu have compelled the authorities to close down the school for two weeks. The Lincoln Community School in Accra was the first to have been hit by the swine flu in the latter part of last year. Since then, it has spread to the Okuapemman Senior High School in the Eastern Region, the Merton Primary in Accra and the Tema Parents School.

                At the Achimota Basic School, students in the boarding house have been asked to stay at home until April 6, 2010 to allow for the fumigation of the school.

                The Headmaster, Mr Frank Armah, told an Accra FM station that the school was closed down on the directive of the Director of Basic Education at the Ministry of Education, Mr Stephen Adu.

                Pupils in the Primary and the Junior High School departments were sent home at the weekend after a test at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical and Research (NMIMR) had confirmed that three children had been infected with the swine flu.

                The school had been deserted when the Daily Graphic visited the place yesterday, with no sign of any primary or JHS student being around. Only students of the senior high school could be seen around.

                The news of the outbreak of the disease had been reported in the media as of March 24, 2010. However, the reports suggested that authorities of the school were trying to hush it, although they had brought in doctors to educate the pupils on the disease.

                The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate confirmed the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza early last week in an interview with a local FM station in Accra.

                The Schedule Officer at the directorate, Mr O. Wula, at that time said the school was strictly monitoring events, even though the situation was not alarming.

                Some parents who spoke to the station on condition of anonymity blamed the authorities of the Achimota School for trying to put a lid on the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza in the school.

                The parents demanded that their children be released so that they (parents) could take them to their private doctors, since they suspected that the treatment being administered to them at the school might not be the best.

                In an interview on the same network, a human rights advocate, Nana Oye Lithur, called for legal action to be taken against teachers of the school whom she accused of harbouring the children after the H1N1 influenza had been detected there.

                According to her, parents had the right to know the health status of their children, yet when the disease was detected, school authorities did not inform the parents but rather brought in doctors to educate the children on the disease.

                Nana Lithur said bringing in doctors to diagnose and educate the children was in the right direction but the authorities should have informed the children?s parents.
                Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Tema records 39 Swine Flu cases

                  GHS to disinfect Achimota Basic School



                  Last Updated: Wednesday, 31 March 2010, 23:30 GMT



                  The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is expected to disinfect the Basic Department of the Achimota School due to the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu), which lead to the closure of the school.

                  The Health Directorate says apart from disinfecting the school, the GHS would put an alcohol base hand washing medicine at a vantage points in the school for the children to wash their hands. “All the chairs and tables would be disinfected before the school resumes” it stated.

                  Oxygen Wula of the Regional Health Directorate of the GHS, in an interview with Asempa News said the GHS would also give alcohol base soap to the children to rob them on their hands to cure virus on their hands.

                  Mr. Wula assured that the exercise would be done before the school resumes on the 6th of April, 2010.

                  He said the GHS has set up a sick bay in the school for parents to send their children for treatments when they detect any symptoms of swine flu.

                  It would be recalled that Asempa News on the 22nd of March, 2010, broke the news, which led to the closure on Saturday, 20th of March, 2010. [sic. should be March 27th]


                  Story: by Kwaku Anwti-Otoo (Asempa FM)

                  Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                  The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Outbreaks March 2010

                    NADMO, GHS, cautions public on outbreak of Swine Flu

                    Date: 02-Apr-2010


                    The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), on Thursday alerted the public on the threat of possible outbreak of influenza HINI (Swine Flu) in Ghana.

                    The announcement indicated that the danger was heightened by sporadic outbreak of the disease in schools in some regions, leading to their closure in the past few weeks.

                    A statement signed by Mr. Kofi Portuphy, National Co-ordinator of NADMO, mentioned Greater Accra: Merton Primary School, Tema Parents Association, Tema, Achimota Basic School, Lincoln Community School, Dzorwulu and American International School, East Legon.

                    The others were Eastern Region: Okuapeman Secondary School and Northern Region: Nankpanduri Senior High School.

                    The statement said that minors and children were the most vulnerable group and asked the public "to minimize crowding at social events especially those meant for children during the Easter holidays".

                    It explained that the recent outbreaks, which lead to suspension of classes, meant that most children from these schools might be incubating the disease without showing any signs or symptoms and could easily affect others.

                    The statement stressed that "due to the mode of transmission, crowding at social events, especially for children coming from different schools, would be highly fertile grounds for easy spread of the disease to the family members, friends and community.

                    It said that "the transmission of the disease was from human to human, through droplets, released during coughing, sneezing and touching surfaces contaminated with body fluids, secreted by infected persons, and touching the eyes, nose and mouth without washing hands."

                    The statement said the signs and symptoms of the disease included coughing, sneezing, fever, chills, runny nose, head ache, vomiting, sore throat and body aches.

                    It said that "the complications of the disease may lead to pneumonia and difficulty in breathing and that prevention of infection is through observance of good personal hygiene by washing hands with soaps and water as often as possible especially after touching surfaces and shaking hands."

                    The statement advised the public to report to the nearest health facility after observing any one or more of the signs and symptoms and avoid crowded environments to prevent spreading the disease to others.

                    NADMO and GHS wished all Ghanaians a safe Easter Celebration.

                    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Outbreaks March 2010 +

                      Cape Coast, April 4, GNA - Mrs. Ama Benyiwa Doe, Central Regional Minister, has said that Mfantsipim School would not be closed down even though it has recorded 10 confirmed cases of Influenza H1N1 (swine flu). She said those affected were being treated at the Central Regional Hospital in Cape Coast, and appealed to parents not to panic and take their children away from school because efforts were being made to prevent the disease from spreading.

                      Mrs. Benyiwa-Doe who was briefing journalists on the outbreak of the disease in the region, in Cape Coast, said that so far a total of 12 Influenza HINI cases had been recorded in the area.

                      The Minister said that the first two cases were detected at Ayipey L/A Primary and a Junior High School in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, adding that she has directed the closure of Ayipey L/A Primary. Mrs. Benyiwa-Doe said that so far 12 of the 16 blood specimens of victims of swine flu sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute by a regional medical team, tested positive.

                      She said that the team had intensified its surveillance in schools in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa area and the Cape Coast Metropolis. Mrs. Benyiwa-Doe said that the Regional Health Directorate, Regional Security Council and heads of government institutions were jointly taking steps to deal with the problem.

                      She asked school authorities to ensure that any student suspected of contracting the disease reported to the hospital, adding that treatment was free of charge.

                      Mrs. Benyiwa-Doe called on the media to educate the public on the symptoms of the disease.

                      The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana Health Service, on Thursday alerted the public on the threat of possible outbreak of influenza HINI (Swine Flu) in Ghana.

                      A statement signed by Mr. Kofi Portuphy, National Co-ordinator of NADMO, said that minors and children were the most vulnerable group and asked the public to minimize crowding at social events especially those meant for children during the Easter holidays.

                      It said that "the transmission of the disease was from human to human, through droplets, released during coughing, sneezing and touching surfaces contaminated with body fluids, secreted by infected persons, and touching the eyes, nose and mouth without washing hands." The statement said the signs and symptoms of the disease included coughing, sneezing, fever, chills, runny nose, head ache, vomiting, sore throat and body aches.

                      It said that "the complications of the disease may lead to pneumonia and difficulty in breathing and that prevention of infection is through observance of good personal hygiene by washing hands with soaps and water as often as possible especially after touching surfaces and shaking hands." The statement advised the public to report to the nearest health facility after observing any one or more of the signs and symptoms and avoid crowded environments to prevent spreading the disease to others.

                      Cape Coast, April 4, GNA - Mrs. Ama Benyiwa Doe, Central Regional Minister, has said that Mfantsipim School would not be closed down even though it has recorded 10 confirmed cases of Influenza H1N1 (swine flu). She said those affected were being...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Outbreaks March 2010 +

                        Swine flu outbreak at Mfantsipim: Students undergo screening


                        Last Updated: Sunday, 4 April 2010, 13:59 GMT Previous Page

                        Ten students have been diagnosed with the flu, authorities say


                        A team from the Central Regional Health Directorate has been screening students at the Mfantsipim Senior High School following an outbreak of swine flu there.

                        Ten students are currently being treated while another two from a junior high school at Breman Asikuma are also getting medical attention.

                        Visits to Mfantsipim have been restricted whiles the JHS has been shut down for two weeks.

                        This brings to twelve the number of reported swine flu cases in the Central Region and follows a string of outbreaks in some schools in Accra over the last few weeks.

                        Students at Mfantsipim last night demanded that they be sent home but the headmaster, Kwame Mieza Edjah, tells Joy News that decision can only be taken based on the advice of the medical team.

                        The Ghana Health Service has warned of more outbreaks and appeal that symptoms are reported for a prompt medical care.

                        A number of schools in Accra including Merton Montessori recently had to be closed down after some pupils there were infected.

                        The influenza, which is gradually becoming a pandemic, started gradually and there was full assurance it was under control.

                        Although reports of infections currently are minimal, there are fears there are several cases yet to be reported.

                        The possibility of a pandemic stares even stronger in the face of Ghanaians who are packed into commercials on a daily basis. That is, there are fears the reported cases are just a tip of the iceberg.


                        Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana


                        Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                        The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Outbreaks March 2010 +

                          The Ayipe Primary and D/L school at the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District in the Central Region has been closed down for two weeks following an outbreak of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in the school.

                          Two, out of the five suspected cases from Ayipe Primary School that were sent to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Scientific Research, have tested positive.

                          In a related development, ten out of the eleven suspected case from the Mfantsipim Senior High in Cape Coast Municipality have also tested positive.

                          The Regional Minister, Ama Benyiwa-Doe, at a press conference in Cape Coast, said with the prompt response from the Regional Health Directorate, they have been able to put the disease under control.

                          Madam Benyiwa-Doe said as at now, twelve cases of the H1N1 flu has been reported in the Central Region.

                          She said Mfantsipim School would not be closed down, but visitation would be limited. She said this would enable the health directorate to control the disease.

                          Madam Benyiwa-Doe called on the general public not to panic since the disease is under control in the Region.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Outbreaks March 2010 +

                            Confirmed H1N1 flu cases rise to 16 in Central Region

                            Date: 05-Apr-2010

                            Sixteen people have been confirmed as contracting the H1N1 Flu in the Central Region with the lasted four more people at Ayipey in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa (AOB) district of the Central Region as at Sunday.

                            Dr. John Eleeza, Deputy Director in charge of Public Health who disclosed this at a media briefing on the update of the outbreak of the disease in the region at Mfantsipim School on Monday, said 10 of the cases are from Mfantsipim and the rest from Ayipey.

                            He said so far 40 who have been into contact with infected people and are suspected to have contracted the virus have been put on medication at Ayipey, while as at Sunday 193 students from Mfantsipim had been screened with 20 suspected cases receiving treatment.

                            In all a total of 83 students were given treatment at the Mfantsipim School over the weekend.

                            Dr Eleeza explained that all the cases in the AOB district are from the Ayipey Primary and Junior High school, which has been closed down to check further spread.

                            He gave the assurance that the whole region was on high alert and that the response team was working around the clock to stem further outbreak of the disease both in Mfantsipim School and at Ayipey.

                            Dr Eleeza urged the public not to panic, but report any flu-like symptoms to a health facility near them for urgent treatment, explaining that the flu is a viral disease that could be effectively managed by his outfit.

                            Dr Joseph Nuertey, the Cape Coast Metro Health Director said even though the situation is under control, an ambulance is on standby to transfer serious cases and that health personnel were working to ensure that it was controlled further.

                            Meanwhile authorities at the Mfantsipim School had insisted that it was not advisable to close down the school because the consequences could be disastrous.

                            The Headmaster, Mr Mieza Edjah noted that it was not advisable to send the students home because it will give the problem an "uncontrolled dimension" as those who have contracted the virus maybe in the incubation stage and could go home and infect their relatives.

                            He said a medical team has been dispatched to the school and screening was on-going to ensure treatment for all infected students, and appealed to parents to cooperate with the authorities and assured them that they will soon go home.


                            Source: GNA

                            Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                            The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Outbreaks March 2010 +

                              Less than one week after the initial outbreak of H1N1 influenza was reported at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast, the number of infections has sharply shot up from 10 to 83.

                              The number of infections recorded at Ayipey in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District of the Central Region has also increased from two to 40.The new case at Mfantsipim and Ayipey brings to 480 to the number of infections reported so far nation-wide.

                              Less than one week after the initial outbreak of H1N1 influenza was reported at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast, the number of infections has sharply shot up from 10 to 83.

                              The number of infections recorded at Ayipey in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District of the Central Region has also increased from two to 40.The new case at Mfantsipim and Ayipey brings to 480 to the number of infections reported so far nation-wide.
                              The Director of Public Health Service (GHS) , Dr. Joseph Amankwah, told the Daily Graphic in Accra that as of Sunday, April 4, 2010 cases of the influenza had been recorded nation-wide but no death had so far been recorded.

                              At a press briefing at Mfantsipim School yesterday, the Central Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr.,J B Eliezar, said the situation was being contained and that there was no cause for alarm .

                              For his part, the Cape Coast Metorpolitan Director of Health, Dr. Joseph Nuertey, said the situation at Mfantsipim School.
                              He said 63 students were screened on Saturday, while 193 were screened on Sunday, and gave the assurance that all the 83 students were responding to treatment.

                              He called for calm, particularly on the part of parents, saying the situation is now under control and cases are not coming in as they were at the initial stages.

                              He said, however, that the health authorities are not taking anything for granted but will work to ensure that the situation is improved.

                              Dr. Nurtey said the closure of the school will still not be recommended because that will lead to the spread of the disease.

                              He said an ambulance is on standby at the school to ensure that any critical case is sent to the Central Regional Hospital.

                              The headmaster of the school, Mr. Koame Mieza Edjah, appealed to parents not to visit the school for the next two weeks to enable the school and health authorities manage the situation.

                              He assured parents that the staff of the school are working to give students the needed attention and support during the period, adding that parents should bear with the authorities concerning the decision to keep students on the compound, saying it is in the best interest of all.

                              Mean while, the public has been advised not to ignore the recent increase in H1N1 influenza but do well to protect themselves from being infected with the deadly influenza, officials of the GHS have indicted.

                              The H1N1 influenza, commonly referred to as swine flu is a disease that is caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system.
                              It first broke out in April 2009 and has been declared a pandemic by the Word Health Oganisation (WHO).

                              The pandemic according to the word health body is a disease that spreads over a whole country or the word.

                              Ghana started recording cases in August 2009 and the highest hit is the country?s educational institutions, with the Lincoln Community School in Accra being the first to have been hit by flu in the latter part of the year. Since then, the virus has spread to the Okuapeman Senior High School in the Eastern Region, Merton Primary in Accra, Tema Parents School and Achimota Basic School.

                              At the end of March 2010 reports indicated that Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast and Ayipeh L/A Primary and Junior High School in the Asikuma-Odoben- Brakwa District of the Central Region have also been affected by the H1N1 influenza.

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