The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through Disease Control Unit has reported the existence of a disease outbreak that affects school going children between the ages of five and 12 years.

The Unit, says the disease condition is characterised by fever, headache, vomiting and nose bleeding. It says three districts of Leribe, Quthing and Maseru have so far reported the existence of this condition.

The classical signs and symptoms of the condition are reported as headache, fever, epistaxis(Bleeding from the nose), vomiting, rash and cough.

So far the Ministry has been notified of five deaths associated with this condition and accordingly, immediate actions have been instituted to investigate and contain the situation.

The public is therefore advised to ensure general personal and environmental hygiene of proper hand washing using soap and water after using a toilet, and boiling of water before consumption.

People are also advised to take all children presenting with headache, fever and vomiting to the nearest health centre without any delay for proper assessment and treatment, and to report any suspected case of this illness to the nearest health authority.

The Ministry assured the public that all necessary actions are being taken to bring this situation under control as early as possible and the cooperation of all members of the public is thereby solicited towards ensuring the success of the control efforts.

SOURCE: LENA 30/08/2007