Disease

Swine flu outbreak spreads in Namibia

The Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services has advised the public to take precautions to avoid contracting the spreading influenza H1N1 or swine flu virus.

In a public notice issued on July 17, acting Permanent Secretary Petronela Masabane said the virus had spread across the country since the disease outbreak was reported early in June. The ministry said to date, 70 cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests, with 35 coming from the capital Windhoek while the rest came from six other local government areas.

Foot and Mouth Disease - Botswana

A leading regional livestock farmers association says efforts to control the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Northern Botswana is being complicated by the presence of nearly 22 000 free-ranging stray cattle.

The outbreak, which has affected large areas of communal farmlands around the Lake Ngami area, was confirmed on June 10. The Ngamiland Farmers Association said that while farmers could account for their cattle and ensure they are vaccinated, large herds of stray cattle were roaming through the region and complicating disease control efforts.

Hand, Fit and Mouth Disease - Malaysia

The hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak has gone “beyond the danger level” in Penang, according to the state Health Committee. On Wednesday (July 18), a further 88 children had contracted the disease, with an earlier 127 cases reported on Tuesday (July 17). From January to July 18 (Wednesday), 2,170 cases had already been reported.