Sunyani Municipal Director of Health, Dr Paulina Appiah, has declared that no cases of H1N1 influenza have been recorded in the municipality.
She made the revelation in an exclusive interview with Nana KAS of Suncity 97.1 FM on the Suncity Morning Drive in Sunyani, Brong Ahafo Region.
The revelation comes as a soothing relief to apprehensive residents of the municipality after laboratory test results from the Noguchi Memorial Centre for Medical Research showed that majority of the samples from students of Kumasi Academy (KUMACA) tested Positive for Influenza Type-A H1N1.
“Periodically, we send samples to the Noguchi Memorial Centre for Medical Research …and what we record is other types of influenzas but not H1N1. People should not panic now that we know the cause of deaths at the Kumasi Academy. Let us go about with our normal duties. Health workers are ready to take care of any issues,” Dr Paulina Appiah assured.
She said the Sunyani Municipal Hospital became a surveillance centre after the 2009 pandemic.
On the mode of transfer, the municipal director of health explained that the Influenza A (H1N1) virus is transferred mainly through droplets spread exposed through coughs and sneezes.
According to her, since it looks like any influenza-like sickness, you won’t know about it until you are tested.
Dr Appiah added that anybody experiencing such symptoms should visit the hospital.
“Anyone who has been infected by influenza should be indoors, rest and drink a lot of water. It depends on how the body of anyone reacts to diseases. Wash your hands and also use hand sanitisers. People should not wait until the symptoms are stronger before going to the hospital,” she advised.
“It is more common in children, those with weak immune system, pregnant women and the elderly. But this particular H1N1-2009 influenza can infect young adults…the virus has different strains that cause serious infections which lead to death. Vaccines are used to prevent the infections,” Dr Appiah revealed.
Four (4) students of the Kumasi Academy (KUMACA) have died following the recent outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) which begun on November 30, 2017. 44 cases have been reported so far.
Story: Health Desk