Picture courtesy: Penjor Gyeltshen
It is at this time of the year when people especially children are prone to seasonal flu. An outbreak of Influenza B infected more than 500 students in three schools in Paro last week. However, health officials claim that the flu is under control.
Of 23 samples from Khangkhu Middle Secondary School, Taju Primary School and Olathang Primary School sent to Royal Centre of Disease Control (RCDC) in Thimphu, two students tested positive for Influenza A or H1N1. Another 11 tested positive for Influenza B. This is as per the record with Paro District Hospital till Saturday.
Health Officials explain that Influenza B is a common seasonal flu and there is nothing to worry about.
The schools and hospital have advised students to stay home until the infection and fever subside. Wearing masks, washing hands with soap, drinking plenty of warm water and avoiding outdoor activities are also means to control flu in schools and homes.
The health officials say the outbreak was first recorded from Khangku MSS after school informed Paro Hospital about 100 students suffering from flu-like illness.
After more students visited the hospital, health officials visited Taju and Olathang School and that is when the number shot up to around 500.
Some of the symptoms of Influenza B are fever, runny nose, cough and body ache.
