Republic of Mauritius- Minister Husnoo cautions Mauritians against health-related complications of Influenza

The Health Minister pointed out that around three to five million persons suffer from health complications associated with seasonal influenza, which is the cause of 200 000 to 650 000 deaths annually, according to estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In Mauritius, for the period of January to March 2019, some 309 people have suffered from influenza.

Influenza seasonality, Dr Husnoo emphasised, is more variable adding that influenza activity is registered year-round in tropical countries such as Mauritius, hence the crucial need for Mauritians to get vaccinated again influenza each year. In a bid to protect the population from health-related threats that may occur from seasonal influenza and a potential outbreak, an annual free vaccination campaign is conducted across different Health centres of the country, at the level of the Regional and District Hospitals, Mediclinics and Area Health Centres and thereafter in Rodrigues and Agalega, he said.

Minister Husnoo explained that the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine being offered by the Government, is designed to protect against four different flu viruses; two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. The flu shots, he added, meet WHO standards and will ensure a person’s optimal protection against influenza for a period of one year. During the 2018 vaccination campaign, he recalled, the Ministry had provided anti-influenza vaccines to some 77 300 people.

On that note, Minister Husnoo urged the population, in particular the most vulnerable, to get themselves vaccinated by taking full advantage of the current exercise to protect themselves from influenza for the 2019 winter season.