The death of four students at the Kumasi Academy (KUMACA) in the Ashanti region was caused by Influenza H1N1 also known as swine flu, the Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has said.
The minister told a press conference in Accra on Thursday that 12 out of the 19 cases tested positive for the Influenza type A virus at the Noguchi Memorial Institute.
Kwaku Agyeman-Manu said, “Of the 19 samples sent to Nogouchi…report from further tests was received confirming H1NI 209 pandemic outbreak. Based on this…we wish to indicate…an outbreak of acute respiratory infection with severe presentation and some resulting in deaths.”
Some had previously attributed the “mysterious” deaths at KUMACA to meningitis creating panic in the school as parents rushed to take their wards home.
Meanwhile, there was mad rush for the antibiotics being administered on students of the Kumasi Academy Senior High School Thursday morning. 
Over 1,500 students, as well as teachers, have so far received antibiotic dosage over the three-day period.
About 19 students of the school are currently on admission. 16 are on admission at the KNUST hospital while three others have been at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Mr. Agyeman-Manu urged parents to return their wards to the school to be vaccinated as he asked them not to panic.
According to the World Health Organisation, the Influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged in 2009.
It is transmitted through the respiratory system mainly through droplets disseminated by unprotected coughs and sneezes.
Short-distance airborne transmission of influenza viruses may occur, particularly in crowded enclosed spaces. Hand contamination and direct inoculation of virus is another possible source of transmission.
Read also: One more KUMACA student confirmed dead Tuesday
Source: 3news.com | Ghana]]>
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