South Africa registers over 100 cases of A(H1N1) flu

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa passed the 100 mark for recorded cases of A(H1N1) flu on Thursday, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said.

This means that, in line with a World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation last week, it will stop the routine testing of suspected cases as it has established that the pandemic has reached South Africa.

It now expects a shift from cases detected in people with a history of recent global travel to community transmission.

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"Fortunately all cases so far had been relatively mild, presenting no differently to the regular winter seasonal influenza which is in fact more common in the country at present," the institute said.

"There is therefore little reason to continue with the very resource-intensive practice of testing all suspect cases as, in the great majority of these cases it offers very little advantage to clinicians managing individual patients."

They will do laboratory testing for the A(H1N1) virus which causes the illness if it is warranted and will continue to chart the behaviour of the virus and monitor any changes in its characteristics.

At a briefing earlier this week, the institute said there may be an increase in cases next week as public schools return for the new term.

Most cases have been reported through the private health system and there are no clear indications yet how it is affecting the wider community which relies on public hospitals.

Already some private schools, like St Stithians College in Johannesburg, have reported cases. School staff have consulted the health department for advice.

Symptoms are similar to the common cold or flu and can be treated in the same way, the institute has said.

People with underlying illnesses, like a chest condition, diabetes or HIV/AIDS, may not recover as easily and are advised to see a doctor if their symptoms persist.

According to the WHO, the virus is spread in droplets through speaking, sneezing or coughing.

They recommend people stand at least a metre away from someone showing flu-like symptoms, avoid touching their nose or mouth, clean hands with soap and water, reduce the time spent in a crowd setting if possible, open windows in their living space and lead a healthy lifestyle.