Health authorities confirm Swine Flu outbreak in Nakuru County
Health authorities in Nakuru County have confirmed a Swine Flu outbreak in Elementaita Ward.
Health authorities in Nakuru County have confirmed a Swine Flu outbreak in Elementaita Ward.
Chief Officer of Public Health Services Dr Daniel Wanaina said that the emergency operation centre received the first signal from Kiptangwany Health Centre on July 27,2022 after the officer in- charge reported a surge in a flu.
He said that the doctors raised an alarm after a high number of children were brought in with high fever-flu like symptoms flagging it as an extraordinary condition at the health facility.
Dr Wanaina said that they however mobilised and sent a team of surveillance and public health officers to the hospital and after investigations and taking samples of the children, it turned out that there was a localised outbreak of Swine flu.
According to Dr Wanaina, the outbreak is reported to be affecting children mostly; one-year-old and at least one life has been lost to the flu.
“Most of the children affected were malnourished; meaning vulnerable as their immunity is low. The trend shows that there are very few cases. Yesterday only two cases were reported form Kiptangwany Health Centre,” said Dr Wanaina
“The trend is fading away, we are in flu season and every time the temperature is very low there is always an outbreak of flu which is normal. There should not be a cause of alarm, everything is under control," he added
According to Dr Wanaina, at least 140 Swine Flu cases have been reported in the past one month with six children currently admitted at the Kiptangwany Health Centre and two at the Nakuru Level five hospital in stable condition.
High risk
Health experts say that the cause of the Swine Flu is yet to be established, they however warn that children under the age of five and the elderly are at high risk.
Dr Wanaina said that the main symptoms of the flu are cough, high fever, running nose and chest pains saying that members of the public should visit hospital when they note that they are experiencing it.
He however urged people to maintain good hygiene, good room ventilation and eat well to boost their immunity.
He said people should wear face masks especially when they are in public to avert its spread.
