Health Minister slams fear-mongers

HEALTH Minister Dr Richard Kawmi yesterday lashed out against what he called alarmists trying to politicise the country’s efforts at containing the A(H1N1) influenza virus.

‘I want to make it categorically clear that I speak as a professional, working with a team of experts, not just as a politician making up slogans,’ Kamwi said during a press conference in Windhoek.Yesterday marked a month since the first confirmed case of ‘swine’ flu was recorded in Namibia, and the number of confirmed cases remained at 22 by last night.The Minister was speaking in response to a number of criticisms and suggestions made in the media by members of the public, who have questioned his calls for calm as the virus continues to make inroads in the absence of a vaccine.Most recently, the Nudo party this week called on Government to declare Rehoboth a ‘H1N1 virus area’ in order to secure the town preferential treatment in fighting the virus.The first cases of the virus in the country were reported at Rehoboth, and the Hardap Region currently has the highest number of confirmed cases, with 10 people infected.’I do not want to be given lessons to quarantine some towns when it is not necessary to do so,’ the Minister said.He said that, as per the World Health Organisation’s advice, no travel restrictions need to be imposed currently as this would serve no purpose.He said the number of cases in Namibia, while representing a concern, were still too low for a trend to be defined.Still, he noted that internationally, the majority of cases occurred in younger people, while pregnant women, those with underlying medical conditions, and a ‘small number of otherwise healthy people, usually under the age of 50 years, experience very rapid progression to severe and fatal illness’.In the Namibian setting, he said, health workers could also be at an increased risk, hence the Ministry’s emphasis on infection control.He stressed, however, that the overwhelming majority of those affected by the H1N1 virus continue to experience mild symptoms and recover fully, and without the need for medical care.’Relatively few people have died of the disease [worldwide]. This point should be stressed to everyone,’ Kamwi said.WHO representative Dr Magda Robalo said it was hoped that a vaccine for the flu would be ready by October, while Kamwi said Namibia was ensured of benefiting once this becomes a reality.Robalo supported the Minister’s call for the nation not to panic despite the rise in cases.’It is expected that the numbers will increase. This is a new virus for which a vaccine is not yet available. So it’s the natural progression of a new disease, but measures are in place to contain it,’ she said.With schools going into recess from next week, Minister Kamwi appealed to parents to keep sick children indoors, and to seek medical attention when their symptoms look serious.He called on citizens to observe the preventive measures already communicated, such as covering your mouth and nose when you cough, either with a tissue or with the crook of your arm.’Never cough or sneeze into your hands,’ Dr Kamwi warned, and advised regularly washing hands with soap and running water throughout the day. No new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Namibia since Wednesday, although the results of 45 swabs sent for testing in South Africa are still being awaited.