2009-04-30: City on high alert as the swine flu sparks panic
THE City of Johannesburg Health Department authorities are on high alert as the swine flu sparks panic across the globe.
The City of Johannesburg, like the rest of the country is putting measures in place to respond swiftly to any suspected and confirmed cases of Swine Influenza. These include having outbreak response teams ready to respond to any reported cases, heightened surveillance to identify any suspected human cases, educating the community at large about the disease and prevention of spread.
A suspected case of swine influenza is a person who traveled within 7 days prior to the onset of symptoms to Mexico or any of the other countries with confirmed community wide outbreaks, or a person who was in close contact such as caring or living with a suspected or confirmed case. The person must also present with symptoms such as a fever of > 38 degrees Celsius, must have a sore throat, nasal congestion, cough and body aches.
To prevent acquiring and spreading of the disease, persons must frequently wash hands with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue/ toilet paper when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the used tissue/ toilet paper in a dustbin, avoid overcrowded conditions, open windows and keep at a distance from individuals with symptoms of flu. If you are suffering from flu it is best to stay at home.
The City of Johannesburg is also working closely with all departments such as the National and Provincial Department of Health, the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD), the Department of Agriculture and World Health Organisation (WHO) in keeping an eye on the situation.
At the time of the media release the WHO said it was not necessary to close borders and restrict international travel, but recommended that anyone who suspected they may have the illness phone their local healthcare provider, rather than go into their consulting rooms, if possible. This would help to prevent the spread to others. It also said it would be prudent for people who were ill to delay international travel, and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.
Any enquiries about Swine Influenza can be directed to the City of Johannesburg Health Department: +27 011 407 - 6845/29.
For more information about Swine Flu, see the fact sheet.
For further enquiries please contact:
Nkosinathi Nkabinde
Communication Specialist
City of Johannesburg Health Department
Tel: (011) 407 – 6477
Cell: 083 408 7787
E-mail: nkosinathin@joburg.org.za
