NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 29 – Kenya’s largest referral hospital has issued an assurance that it is well prepared to handle any outbreaks of the H1N1 influenza.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Public Relations Officer Simon Ithae told Capital News on Monday that isolation wards were set up in April when the disease began spreading from Mexico.
“We have appropriate gear, medicine to handle the disease (and) masks. We have all it takes and should it occur we will be in full control,” he said.
Mr Ithae further said the hospital was collaborating with other health agencies to coordinate any relevant information on the H1N1 influenza.
“We are also working closely with important stakeholders especially the media to help designate information about the virus,” he said.
He at the same time warned Kenyans against rushing to areas where Swine Flu had been reported.
“It is for everybody to play their role, we should be keen and maintain hygiene, people are sometimes too curious and they like running to see what is happening,” he said.
To help contain the disease, Mr Ithae also urged health officials in the country to ensure all cases are handled in areas where they have been confirmed to stop further spread.
“If a case is confirmed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, I don’t expect that case to be brought to KNH; it should be handled at the airport to ensure the disease does not spread to other people,” he said.
