Pretoria - There are now 29 confirmed AH1N1 influenza (Swine Flu) cases in South Africa, following 11 new cases reported at the weekend.
The 11 cases, all university students, presented with flu-like symptoms at various medical centres and were confirmed positive by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases.
According to the statement released by the Department of Health on Monday, a total of 16 cases have been linked to university sports event in Gauteng, where the majority of students, who were male squash players, shared the same residence.
"The patients appear to have mild illness, no complications so far and are being managed in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Health guidelines," departmental spokesperson Fidel Hadebe said.
They are recovering at home and were not admitted to the hospitals as they had no complications.
He said all the participants at the game had been informed of the possible contact with confirmed case on Friday. "All the other associated contacts will be followed up and given the necessary advice," he said.
The department warned that the participants who had attended the game came from different parts of the country and the likelihood of more cases from different provinces was therefore expected.
Mr Hadebe told BuaNews that investigations were ongoing as the department was still trying to establish the provinces where the infected students came from.
The first case of Swine Flu in South Africa was confirmed on 18 June.
Operational Outbreak Response Teams have been set up in all provinces and training of provincial rapid response teams on influenza pandemic preparedness and response has been conducted in all provinces.
Heightened clinical and laboratory surveillance are in place to identify any suspected case of the flu.
The department stressed that it will continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and preparedness.
Swine Flu first broke out in Mexico a few months ago and has since spread to other countries. WHO have raised its swine flu alert to the highest level, declaring its first global influenza pandemic in 40 years.
