Swine flu pandemic – Zambia

The number of confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) across the world continues to grow. The World Health Organisation’s current pandemic alert level is Phase 6. This is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus in more than one WHO region. The alert phase refers to the geographical spread of the pandemic, not its severity.

Situation in Zambia  

Fifteen cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) were confirmed in Zambia by the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health in Zambia has 1,000 doses of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) as well as personal protective equipment. Suspected cases can be diagnosed in Zambia through samples sent to the UTH virology lab or a lab at UNZA. Suspicious samples are also sent to South Africa for further testing.

There is medical screening for the Swine Flu virus (H1N1) by the Zambian local authorities at its borders and airports. You may need to complete a health form on arrival and will be required to undergo further tests if you show flu-like symptoms. The Zambian authorities will advise you on quarantine measures as you are tested and if you test positive. British nationals who find themselves quarantined should contact us at the British High Commission so that we can offer consular assistance, though access may be limited due to the quarantine restrictions.

If you are resident in Zambia or looking for advice on how swine flu might affect your travel plans to Zambia, you should consult our Travel Advice.  

Advice for travellers

Before you travel

•  If you are ill with a respiratory illness you should delay travel.
• Stock up on waterless alcohol-based hand gels.
• You should consider:
• whether you need to go to a swine flu affected area
• the risk of getting swine flu at your destination 
• the level of medical care including access to anti-viral medications in the event you need treatment for an influenza-like illness (fever plus two or more of cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches or headache).
• You should receive appropriate vaccines and other preventive measures for your destination. This includes seasonal influenza vaccine if you come under the recommended risk groups (see NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet on Influenza)
• You should obtain comprehensive travel health insurance, and clarify any exclusions to coverage

During travel

Influenza is transmitted via the respiratory route and you should exercise sensible precautions:

• Follow public health guidance in Zambia  
• Avoid crowding or mass gatherings.
• Where possible avoid close contact with persons who are ill with an Influenza like illness.
• Wash hands with soap and water; use waterless alcohol-based hand gels when soap and water is not available.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes, to prevent the spread of germs.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue promptly.
• Keep hard surfaces (e.g. door handles, countertops) clean using a normal cleaning solution.
• Assure that children follow similar advice.
• Swine flu is not passed through properly handled and prepared pork; the virus is killed by cooking to temperatures of 70°C. 
• There is little evidence of the effectiveness of wearing masks at a mass level, however, properly fitted special grade masks can be worn in situations such as healthcare settings.

After you travel

Travellers who have visited affected areas should monitor their health for seven days after the visit. If you develop a flu-like illness with cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache or muscle aches, within seven days you should:

• check your symptoms on NHS Direct, NHS Choices and/or NHS 24, if you remain concerned contact your GP
• limit contact with other people 
• cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue promptly 
• wash hands with soap and water 
• keep hard surfaces (e.g. door handles, countertops) clean using a normal cleaning solution.

How we can help

We are working closely with the Department of Health and other areas of HM Government. We have provided a dedicated free phone number for all British nationals overseas to call if they are concerned about the current Swine Flu outbreak 0044 207 928 1010.

As far as possible, we will continue to deliver a consular service for British nationals resident or travelling in Zambia, although there may be a limited services if the scale and severity of the outbreak increase. If there is any change to the level of service we can provide, this will be reflected in our travel advice for Zambia.

If you are living or are travelling in Zambia, please register on LOCATE so that we will be able to keep you informed of any significant changes in our travel advice.

British nationals overseas

If you live in Zambia, you should monitor our travel advice and, as with other medical matters, assure yourself of your own healthcare arrangements. This might include obtaining access to anti-viral medicine. If you have any concerns over your own health, you should seek medical advice.

British nationals in Zambia should speak to their employers about plans they have in place. Such plans may include access to anti-viral treatment for employees and/or repatriation to the UK.

The British Government is not in the position to offer evacuation of British Nationals.

Zambia has limited availability of anti-viral drugs and the British High Commission cannot provide medical treatment (including anti-viral medication). You therefore need to ensure you are clear about your own healthcare arrangements.

The UK Response

The Department of Health website gives further information on what the UK is doing in response to the outbreak. The Health Protection Agency has provided advice on measures which can be taken to prevent infection. General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza.

Health Protection Agency, Swine Influenza

NHS Choices

For guidance specific to the UK, more information is available from the Directgov website.

General information

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic. Comprehensive advice and information on the current situation can be found on the WHO website.

More information is available from:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H1N1 Flu (Swine flu)

NaTHNaC Country Information pages