Swine Flu causing havoc in Zambia

By Pelekelo Liswaniso

WE fully understand and appreciate many people’s concern at the increasing number of cases of suspected Swine Flu in the country, especially among school children.

After all, already, health authorities on the Copperbelt have closed Luanshya Trust School after the institution recorded a drastic increase in the number of children suffering from suspected Swine Flu or the H1N1 virus.

At Mpande Girls Secondary School in Kapiri Mposhi, 31 pupils are reportedly quarantined on suspicion that they are suffering from Swine Flu. The situation is the same in Ndola where more than 100 pupils at Ndola Girls National Technical High School were earlier in the week quarantined for suspected HINI infection.

This development is worrying in view of repeated warnings by medical authorities that Swine Flu is highly contagious and has already spread rapidly to 191 countries, starting from America to Europe and Asia and may well be taking its toll on Africa, including Zambia.

What complicates matters is that the signs and symptoms of H1N1 and seasonal flu are very similar and, like with common flu, most persons with H1N1, it is said, may get better even without any specific treatment. Transmission of the virus can, therefore, not easily be stopped.

It is also important to note that in an individual with a normally functioning immune system, the body is capable of effectively fighting off the virus using its own internal defences. But, as reports indicate, the infection could be fatal in individuals with low immunity. And there is evidence that the virus has already claimed lives in Mexico and other parts of the globe.

That’s why many people share the fears expressed by the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Leonard Hikaumba, who said in Kabwe that the situation may get worse if urgent measures are not taken to bring it under control.

In the view of Mr Hikaumba and others, the government should consider temporarily closing all schools countrywide in order to prevent the spread of the Swine Flu.

Experts reviewing the HINI pandemic worldwide, however, point out that closure of schools or public places like cinema halls and malls can only delay, but cannot stop, the spread of H1N1
They argue that closing schools is not a solution because the affected pupils would spread the disease to their families and the communities in which they live.

The experts say a vaccine is the most effective tool for controlling the spread of H1N1.
We think both viewpoints are valid and neither can be dismissed completely. What is needed, and quite urgently, is a careful study of all available options to come up with the most practical, effective, measure to safeguard life and avert the costs associated with treatment and care.

We welcome steps taken by Government to encourage individuals and communities to observe respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and other measures to protect themselves against the disease. We hope the same zeal will be applied to secure a vaccine because it appears to be the most feasible measure available for controlling the spread of the pandemic.

In the meantime, Government should consider putting up emergency measures to ensure that pupils in examination classes continue learning even in the event that they are quarantined. Otherwise, they will be greatly disturbed and disadvantaged come examination time.