H1N1 cases jump to 38

Accra, Nov. 20, GNA - Confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 in Ghana have jumped to 38 following the conformation of 16 cases at the Lincoln Community School in Accra, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced on Friday.
It said a total of 345 specimens made up of 294 suspected cases and 51 contacts had been investigated at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the National Influenza Centre.
"The total number confirmed as positive for influenza H1N1 2009 virus stands at 38," the statement signed by Rebecca Ackwonu, Public Relations Officer of GHS said.
It explained that the upsurge in cases had been identified in a localised outbreak at the school.
"Out of a school population of about 700, there have been 16 confirmed cases, representing about two per cent of the school population. All confirmed cases . treated, are doing well and do not pose a public health threat to the general public."
GHS said all the necessary measures had been taken to break the cycle of transmission within the school. These include the suspension of school activities for 10 days. The statement said the GHS had also received maximum co-operation from the school authorities to contain the outbreak.