A total of 90 people, most of them schoolchildren, have been treated at the Keetmanshoop State Hospital for a yet unidentified virus infection.

The patients complained of headaches, runny noses, sore throats, fever and coughing, according Keetmanshoop primary health supervisor Rauna Namukwambi.

Namukwambi said health officials had taken six samples to test whether it is the H1N1 flu virus, but only one of the results has been received and it was negative.

"We're still waiting for the outcome of the remaining samples," she said. Namukwambi said the affected people, of whom six were admitted to the hospital for one-day close observation, were given medical treatment according to their symptoms.

She urged the public not to panic, adding that the situation is under control. Namukwambi advised that people should take care of basic hygiene such as washing hands to avoid any virus infection.

Similar cases were reported at Bethanie, Berseba and Aroab. Namukwambi said health officials will visit all schools in and around Keetmanshoop to treat ill children.