Laboratory blood tests have ruled out meningitis as the course of the recent sickness among school going children.

Public Health Nurse for the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare told LENA that blood samples revealed flue as a major course of the disease that is affecting children between the ages of five and 12.

Ms. 'Matebello Tsiki said blood samples were taken from 14 students who were reported sick at Assemblies of God Primary School, saying that 13 children had flue while one had measles.

Mrs. Tsiki has therefore urged the public to foster hygienic conditions to maintain good health, hence reduce spread of diseases especially during this time of drought.

She also stated the classical signs of the flue as headache, fever, vomiting and rash, urging teachers and parents to watch over the health of their children with a view to identify any of the symptoms associated with the illness.

Many cases of this flue have been reported in Maseru, Leribe, Butha-Buthe and Quthing while the ministry of Health has been notified with five deaths associated with this condition.

The public is also advised to take children with headache, fever and vomiting to the nearest health centres without any delay for proper assessment and treatment and to report any suspected case of the illness to the nearest health authority.

Source: LENA 12/09/2007