Schools in Tangmachu and Autsho in Lhuentse are closed for a week, beginning Tuesday as over 270 students reported to the hospital with flu like symptoms.
A student was tested positive for Influenza A in a random testing of samples collected. The test was carried out for four samples. Ten additional samples of the throat swab were sent to the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu for further confirmation of H1N1.
The students were tested for H1N1 after they complained of suffering from headache, body weakness and fever. The School Principal of Autsho said as a preventive measure, sick students are all kept in one room.
“We have put the girls in one room and boys in another and segregated the ones who are sick. After the health personnel told us to close the school we have restricted the day scholars to stay home,” said Nidup Dorji, Autsho Principal, adding that those staying in the hostels are not sent out of the school campus, unless it is to the BHU. “We are worried if they mix it will spread to the community,” he added.
The General District Medical Officer of Lhuentse hospital, Dr. Karma Tenzin, said as of today the students coming to the hospital has reduced.
Students in the meantime are treated with a symptomatic treatment and anti-viral medication. They are also advised to take lot of fluids.
This is the first case of Influenza A reported in Lhuentse Dzongkhag.
Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure the hospital is creating awareness and had visited other schools and Dratshangs under Lhuentse dzongkhag.
