![One person died of a suspected swine flu infection on Saturday, July 20, at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi. [PHOTO | COURTESY]](https://k24.digital/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/PATIENT.jpg)
The Ministry of Health has denied claims that there is an outbreak of swine flu in Kenya.
Dr Wekesa Masasabi, who is the acting director general of health, said on Sunday that only one person has died from severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) that is caused by Influenza type A/H3N2 virus.
It had been reported that the patient had been died of swine flu infection but H3N2 is a type of bird flu.
The Health official said three other patients admitted with SARI are in stable condition.
“The accurate position is that there is no swine flu in Kenya,” said Dr Masasabi.
A 17-year-old patient died from SARI on Saturday, July 20, at the MP Shah Hospital, causing panic with claims the death was caused by swine flu infection.
The Health official said the ministry is monitoring the situation and stocks of the drug, Tamiflu, which is used to treat the disease.
“The situation is under control and there is no need for the Kenyans to panic,” said Dr Masasabi.
Influenza surveillance data for over 10 years in Kenya shows two peaks in February to April and June to November.
The ministry has advised Kenyans to maintain high standards of hygiene by washing their hands with soap, to cover their mouth when sneezing or coughing.
Dr Masasabi urged those contract common cold with sudden fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pain and chest discomfort to seek immediate treatment.
