Its business unusual at schools in the Free State province as teaching and learning activities get suspended due to the recent influenza B and Human Rhino viruses outbreak.
It affected Grade R to Grade 5 classes at Phillipolis Primary School and Bergmanhoogte Primary School. A total of six learners from the schools tested positive to the virus and are currently being treated in hospital while approximately 100 learners from other schools in the province, are infected.
The Influenza B viruses are said to cause a respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lung. The viruses also affect the stomach and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort and spreads easily through coughing or sneezing.
The Free State Department of Health forced the schools to close to prevent further spread as the viruses are highly contagious. They’ve disputed rumours that state that the outbreak is a result of food poisoning emanating from school nutrition meals. The cause has not yet been established.
Parents are urged to keep their learners safe during this quarantine period and ensure that those who are sick receive medical care.
Classes will resume next week, the 13th of March 2024, after schools have been fumigated.