Published by the government of Zimbabwe
10 July 2009
opinion
Harare — REPORTS of two cases of the deadly H1N1, swine flu virus, that have been detected in Harare should not trigger panic because the mere fact that the cases have been diagnosed shows health authorities are on top of the situation.
The two could be isolated cases, but it still requires authorities and the public to remain vigilant. For now, the situation is under control and we should applaud health authorities for quickly quarantining the visiting Asian who tested positive for the virus. It is also clear that the visitor was already infected when he came into Harare since people at the London house where he stayed have also tested positive for swine flu.
While the Ministry of Health has been on high alert since April this year when the first case was detected in Mexico and spread to South Africa and other African countries, the situation now calls for Government to intensify vigilance at ports of entry. We say so because it is not yet clear whether the Asian was not detected upon entry into Harare or his flu was not full blown yet.
Health authorities need to remain on high alert at our ports of entry to detect any cases in visitors or Zimbabweans returning from foreign trips. Health Minister Henry Madzorera's call for health workers to increase vigilance when treating people with flu is commendable.
Health authorities should also speedily investigate the case of the Zimbabwean squash player because it is crucial to determine whether the player contracted the disease here or when he travelled to South Africa for a tournament.
This information is vital to help authorities mitigate the effects of the disease and keep it under control. When the player returns he should also be quarantined to prevent the spread of the disease, which has since been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.
One other assuring thing is that Government has in place 21 400 courses of drugs to treat 21 400 people with swine flu. This is ample testimony of its preparedness to deal with the disease. Fighting swine flu should not be left to Government alone. Everyone should play their part by taking actions that ensure they stay healthy everyday and be on the lookout for swine flu symptoms.
It is also recommended to visit one's nearest health centre when one has flu-like symptoms. Zimbabweans who do a lot of travelling outside the country should take all the necessary precautions to avoid contracting the deadly flu. On its part, the Government should keep the nation informed about the two cases and about the necessary precautions to take.
We believe if everyone is responsible and plays his or her part, we will manage the two cases and prevent the disease from spreading.
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