THE DREADED swine flu (H1N1) is gradually creeping into some Ghanaian homes as two more cases have been recorded, bringing the total now to eight. Six cases had been confirmed earlier on.
Latest investigations by the Nugochi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (National Influenza Centre) revealed a total of 82 specimens, out of which 56 were suspected cases with 26 contacts.
In a press statement issued in Accra yesterday to update the public on current happenings, it mentioned that the first seven cases had been well managed and discharged while the last case is still under treatment and doing well.
�The contacts of the last case are also closely monitored. They are co-operating with health staff and we are grateful for their co-operation�, it said. However, no death has been recorded in the country so far.
It would be recalled that a young lady in Accra was recently confirmed as the first Ghanaian to have contracted the fearful disease, making Ghana the third country to record the disease in Africa.
Even though earlier reports indicated that an expatriate staff of one of the mining companies in the Western Region had contracted the disease, the Ministry of Health had refuted that saying it was still under investigation and has not been confirmed yet.
The lady, who was said to have walked to a facility with mild symptoms of the pandemic influenza, was reported to have contracted the disease from his brother who was diagnosed with the pandemic in the United Kingdom and had just returned to Ghana.
The pandemic influenza H1N1 is a disease caused by a virus and it affects the respiratory system. Its symptoms include fever, coughs or sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and in some instances, vomiting as well as diarrhea.
It could have further complications such as pneumonia and difficulty with breathing. Experts also say death may occur in persons who have other medical problems.
Further in the release, influenza viruses are said to spread mainly from persons via droplets, released during coughing or sneezing.
�Sometimes people may become infected by touching surfaces or holding objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes�, it explained.
Notably, though there has not been any vaccine readily available to manage the pandemic influenza H1N1, antivirals like Tamiflu is currently being used to treat it.
Regular washing of hands with soapy water, rubbing the hands with alcohol and keeping a distance from an infected person have been recommended as means of avoiding possible attraction of the disease.
�All health facilities, both public and private, have been directed to be ready to receive and manage all cases. Necessary logistics and human resources have been put in place for the management of cases�, the press release said.
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