Flu virus ‘out of control’
Mitiaro Island is suffering from an influenza epidemic that has quickly spread around the Island. It is believed to be one of the worst “flu” epidemics to affect Mitiaro in recent times.
Mitiaro hospital has been extremely busy with patients seeking medical advice, with symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. These patients are receiving flu injections to try and keep the virus under control.
School children have been sent home as a result of the virus that is increasing daily.
About 80% of households have an affected person within.
While Health staff are awaiting a supply of antibiotic medicine, the best answer for now is an injection.
Charge Nurse Ngamata Bryson from the Ministry of Health in Mitiaro said 70% of school children around Mitiaro have been affected by the influenza virus.
Parents are concerned about their children being in contact with each other through playing and passing on the flu. Charge Nurse Bryson has issuied warnings to most households on Mitiaro to seek medical attention and keep their families at home until the epidemic has run its course.
Island Secretary Teokotai Topa has been very concerned about the health of government employees since Monday. Six employees were relieved from their work because they were affected by the flu virus, one is still in a serious state
The Ministry of Health in Rarotonga has been informed of the situation.
 Doctor Dacon from Rarotonga Hospital commented on Thursday saying: “This influenza virus can be very contagious and normally lasts up to seven days.”
“The patient should seek medical attention if they are having symptoms of dizziness or headaches,” said Doctor Dacon
Lots of rest, intake of fluids, (water) along with a meal will be satisfactory to keep to the virus under control.

- Feona Mo’ardi Good

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