The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (DoH) has said there is no outbreak of ‘swine flu’ in the province.

KZN MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu called for calm in her address to the Provincial Legislature, following public alarm at a rumoured outbreak of the H1N1 influenza strain. This follows the death of a 9 year-old girl from Pietermaritzburg.

“The little girl had displayed flu-like symptoms, but her case was not confirmed because no samples were taken by the doctor,” explained MEC Simelane-Zulu.

She added as a precautionary measure, and to aid in the investigation by the DoH, the girl’s sibling was tested for H1N1 (influenza A) and was found to be a confirmed case. However, the sibling has since recovered and been discharged. The children’s grandmother also had to be hospitalised, and MEC Simelane-Zulu said test results were still being awaited.

The South African flu season is in the winter months, usually between May and July. Flu can be easily spread from person to person, and there are 3 different strains which can cause seasonal flu in humans: influenza A (either H1N1 or H3N2) and influenza B. These can not be reported as influenza is not a notifiable medical condition.

“We advise parents to be on the look-out for certain signs of severe influenza. Those who display worrying signs such as chest pain or shortness of breath, are strongly advised to seek medical attention. If any individuals think they or their children may be suffering from an aggressive type of influenza, they must visit the nearest healthcare facility.”

ALSO READ: KZN health urges the public to vaccinate children against measles

The H1N1 virus, which appeared for the first time in 2009 and caused a global influenza pandemic, is now a seasonal flu virus which is prevalent in winter, and co-circulates with other seasonal viruses. However, the DoH does not keep statistics on flu.

Generally, population groups who may be vulnerable to influenza and require vaccination before the influenza season, include pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy, those infected with HIV, residents at retirement age (around 65 years old), and adults or children under six who have underlying medical conditions.

“As a department, we are calling on all responsible authorities at the different schools, doctors, as well as members of the community to exercise restraint, because by referring to an outbreak without being absolutely sure, we may begin to create unnecessary panic and alarm, which helps no-one.”

ALSO READ: Swine flu; what you need to know

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