There have been confirmed cases of Swine Flu outbreak in Nakuru County; with one person dying as a result. Swine flu is a respiratory infection in humans caused by an influenza strain that originated in pigs. The H1N1 virus strain causes the flu.
Dr Daniel Wainaina, the county chief officer of Health, while addressing the media stated they received an alert on the 27th of July from Kiptangwany Health Centre. The alert indicated an upsurge in the number of children who presented symptoms of high fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.
This prompted the County’s Public Health Emergency Centre to conduct investigations and took samples to establish the course of the Flu. Which led to the discovery of an outbreak of localized swine flu. So far there have been 140 confirmed cases of the Flu.
“Those affected are children under the age of one year, the elderly, and people with underlying health problems,” Dr Wainaina Chief Officer of Public Health Services stated.
The Doctor further reassured the public not to worry as we are in flu season. Which means flu outbreaks are more prone during this climatic season. However he advised that we should “Maintain good hygiene, hand washing, good aeration and basically eat well. To strengthen their immunity,” he further stated.
