VETERINARY Service in the Ministry of Agriculture is considering imposing a ban on animal products imported from countries affected by swine flu, said Health Minister Dr Richard Kamwi in Parliament yesterday.
His Ministry is in constant communication with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is monitoring the situation carefully, Kamwi said.The outbreak of swine flu in other parts of the world has not yet reached southern Africa and there is no reason for alarm, he added.’However, people who travel to affected countries or pass through airports are advised to keep themselves updated on any health warnings regarding the countries they travel to or transit,’ Kamwi said in a ministerial statement.An outbreak of swine flu was reported in Mexico over the weekend, which has caused the death of at least 150 people there, and cases had been reported in several US states, Spain and Germany by yesterday. According to Minister Kamwi, ‘no human case of swine flu has been reported in southern Africa (yet).’ Government’s Health Emergency Preparedness Committee has been activated and is in constant contact with different stakeholders ‘to ensure early detection of any imported cases, isolation of such cases and relevant treatment,’ Kamwi told the House.’We will keep the nation informed of further developments,’ the Health Minister stated.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
