SITUATIONAL UPDATE

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UPSURGE OF FLU  IN THREE (3) SECOND CYCLE INSTITUTIONS, EASTERN REGION; NOVEMBER 2019

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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) received a report of unusually high number of suspected flu cases in three (3) secondary schools (Akuse Methodist Secondary School, Krobo Girls Secondary School and Legacy School (Private)) in Lower-Manya-Krobo District of Eastern Region on Thursday 31st October, 2019.

Consequently, teams of experts from the National and Regional Levels were dispatched to support the affected Districts, to verify and assess the situation and provide response actions as appropriate.

The teams have met with the respective school authorities and took samples from affected students for laboratory testing. The test confirmed  seasonal flu Type-A H3N2 which responds well to current treatment regimen for flu management.

 The affected students were given the needed medication and told to stick to common hygienic practices such as:

*1. Washing of hands with soap under running water and*

*2. Observe common cough etiquette such as covering  your mouth with a handkerchief before you cough or sneeze to prevent further spread*

All the affected students have responded well to treatment and are doing very well as at today, *Sunday 3rd November, 2019* and normalcy has been restored to the school, students are going about their daily routines.

At this point, we wish to indicate that, the situation is under control and encourage parents not to panic, but rather advise their wards to cooperate with the health and school authorities, practice and enhance personal hygiene and cough etiquette as suggested by the health teams.

The Ministry  of Health / Ghana Health Service will continue to monitor the situation very closely, do best to contain it and provide updates to the general public as appropriate.

*ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH/GHANA HEALTH SERVICE*

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