Maseru, June 16 — The Ministry of Health has confirmed a sharp increase in flu cases reported across the country this month, prompting health authorities to intensify investigations into the outbreak.

According to a statement released by the Ministry, District Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to various parts of the country to investigate the growing number of people presenting with flu-like symptoms.

Speaking in an interview with the Agency on Monday, the Ministry's Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Mateboho Mosebekoa, said preliminary investigations have not detected any new disease and that the reported cases currently appear to be linked to seasonal influenza.

However, she noted that some patients have exhibited symptoms not commonly associated with seasonal flu, including diarrhoea and vomiting, raising concern among health officials.

Mrs. Mosebekoa said samples from affected patients have been collected and sent to Pretoria, South Africa, for further laboratory analysis.

She indicated that the Ministry is still awaiting test results, which are expected to provide more information regarding the nature of the illness.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Molefi Sekants'i, who recently recovered from the illness, described his experience as severe.

He said he became extremely thirsty and collapsed while fetching water before being rushed to hospital for treatment.

Mr. Sekants'i said he experienced fever, weakness, dizziness and diarrhoea for two days. He added that he remained bedridden for an entire week before recovering with the help of medication and has since returned to good health.

People infected with flu commonly experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, fatigue and a runny or blocked nose. The severity of symptoms varies, with some individuals recovering within a few days while others may require medical attention due to complications.

The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation and has urged the public to observe good hygiene practices and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

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