Dept confirms first case of swine flu in SA

"A diagnosis of the first case of H1N1 was this morning confirmed in South Africa," the department said in a statement. A 12-year-old boy from the United States, who had flown in to South Africa on 14 June, was admitted on Monday morning after presenting flu-like symptoms.

"The patient fitted the criteria as a suspected case and was dealt with in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Department of Health guidelines in this regard," the department said.

Spokesperson Fidel Hadebe said the patient was kept in isolation in hospital and was discharged after a few days.

"He is well and recovering in isolation at home. All contacts have been followed up and given the necessary advice and treatment," Hadebe said.

He added that the public can be assured that all systems are in place to respond appropriately to every suspected or confirmed case.

Last week, the WHO raised its swine flu alert to the highest level, declaring its first global influenza pandemic in 40 years.

In a statement sent to member countries, the WHO said it had decided to raise the alert level from phase 5 to 6, meaning a global pandemic of swine flu is underway.

The decision was made amid evidence that the virus was being widely spread in Asia, Europe and America.

Swine Flu first broke out in Mexico two months ago and has since spread to other countries.

The disease had spread to 78 countries with a cumulative total of 37,000 confirmed cases and 165 deaths.

Among the measures that have been put in place by the department since the outbreak to ensure preparedness and rapid response should any case be identified in the country included the provision and implementation of guidelines on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, Influenza Case management and prevention.

Operational Outbreak Response Teams have been set up in all provinces and training of provincial rapid response teams on influenza pandemic preparedness and response has been conducted in all provinces.

The department stressed that it will continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and preparedness.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews