Akropong-Akuapem, March 24, GNA - Six students of the Okuapeman Senior High School at Akropong Akuapem have been infected with the A HINI virus. The six students, whose cases had been confirmed at the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research (NMIMR) in Accra, are among 19 other students on admission at the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital at Mampong Akuapem.

This came to light when Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Erasmus Agongo, the Eastern Regional Director of Health Services and other health personnel visited the hospital. Dr Kafui Setsofia, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, told the minister and his team that at about 1900 hours last Sunday 35 students of the school, all girls, suspected to have contracted the virus were brought to the hospital.

He said after screening 10 of the students were discharged and the rest, 25, admitted.

Dr Kafui said when blood samples of the students were sent to the NMIMR, six of them were confirmed to have contracted the virus. He said the condition of the other students were stable but were being "detained" at the hospital for one week for observation. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo commended the medical team for the able manner they handled the situation so far and appealed to parents whose children are in the school not to panic as the situation is well under control. 24 March 10