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The Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), has issued a press release reassuring the public that the recent flu-like viral disease reported in children in China and the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India have not been detected in Sierra Leone.
China has reported a significant increase in flu-like illnesses among children, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Concurrently, India is experiencing cases of HMPV, a virus known to cause fever, cough, and runny nose.
Despite these developments sparking international concern, Sierra Leonean health authorities have confirmed that there is no evidence of these diseases in the country.
The NPHA and MOH have outlined several proactive measures to prevent the potential entry and spread of these illnesses in Sierra Leone:
Health facilities and border entry points are under heightened surveillance for unusual respiratory illness trends.
Efforts are underway to strengthen laboratory capabilities for detecting influenza-like illnesses and related viral infections.
The public is being educated on preventive practices, including proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and the importance of seeking timely medical care.
The NPHA and MOH are working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners to stay updated on global developments and response strategies.
To further ensure public safety, the NPHA and MOH are encouraging citizens to adopt the following preventive measures:
Regular hand washing with soap and water or the use of hand sanitizers.
Avoiding close contact with individuals displaying symptoms of respiratory illnesses.
Wearing masks in crowded areas, especially during flu season.
Seeking prompt medical attention if experiencing persistent fever, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms.
The health authorities emphasized the importance of calmness and vigilance among the public. While the flu-like illness from China and HMPV cases from India are not present in Sierra Leone, the government remains committed to implementing measures to protect the nation’s health.
The NPHA and MOH reaffirm their dedication to closely monitoring the global health situation and taking all necessary steps to safeguard Sierra Leone from these viral threats.
