Media told not to create unnecessary panic about swine flu

Kumasi , Aug. 12, GNA - Mr. Kofi Opoku-Manu, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has advised the media to be more careful with their reports on the HINI Influenza.

He said it was important they avoided any form of misreporting likely to create unnecessary panic in the society.

Mr Opoku-Manu, who is the Regional Chairman of the "Swine Flu" Coordinating Technical Committee, said this at a media briefing in Kumasi on measures put in place to fight the spread of the disease.

This comes in the wake of two officially confirmed cases of the disease in the country. The patients are said to be responding to treatment.

The Regional Minister said the media should focus on educating people on how to prevent getting infected.

Dr. Raphael Folitse, the Regional Veterinary Officer, said the name "Swine Flu" given to the disease was a misnomer as the infection was not from either the eating of pork or the pig to human beings.

If anything it is rather the human being who could infect pigs with the "flu", he said, adding that, people should continue to enjoy eating pork without fear.

Dr. Alberta Biritwum-Nyarko of the Regional Epidemic Team, the Regional Health Directorate, said they were adequately prepared by way of logistics and drug stocks to prevent the "swine flu" from spreading to the region.

She spoke of the need for good ventilation in public transport and for people to ensure thorough washing of hands, after attending public functions.

Dr. Dennis Odai Laryea of the Public Health Unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital who is also a member of the Technical Committee, appealed to people to observe proper personal hygiene and not to come too close in contact with those who have contracted the disease.

GNA