25 September 2009

Maputo — The number of cases of HINI influenza (better known as swine flu) in Mozambique is continuing to rise.

The health authorities have now confirmed 31 cases of the disease. The Deputy National Health Director, Leonardo Chavane, told a Maputo press conference on Thursday that there are a further 79 suspected cases, including 14 children under 10 years of age.

The first cases of swine flu were reported in Mozambique in August, and to date it has caused two deaths.

Chavane said that so far none of the confirmed cases are serious enough to warrant hospitalization of the patient. "All the hospitals, particularly in the provincial capitals, have a small room where one or two patients can be hospitalized, if necessary, but so far this has not been necessary", he added.

Most of the cases have been notified in Maputo and the neighbouring city of Matola, said Chavane. Almost all of them are people who have recently visited South Africa, the country in the region most affected by swine flu.

Despite the gradual rise in the number of confirmed and suspected cases, the health authorities say there is no reason for panic, and recommend continued observance of preventive measures, through improving individual and collective hygiene.

To prevent the spread of the disease, the authorities recommend regular hand washing, and covering the mouth and nose whenever coughing or sneezing.

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