A number of reverend ministers from the Ghana Baptist Convention have begun prayer sessions for students of the Kumasi Academy.

The school, since April 2017, have been devastated by seven (7) mysterious deaths which is now known to be “Influenza type A.”

The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu at a press conference on Thursday announced that 12 out of 19 samples sent to the NOGUCHI Memorial Institute from the Kumasi Academy in the Ashanti Region, tested positive for influenza type A, which is also known as swine flu (H1N1).

He explained that there was an outbreak of an acute respiratory infection, a situation that has resulted in the multiple deaths.

Parents and guardians before the outcome of the results, called for a spiritual probe into the deaths that seemed mysterious to them. One of them told XYZ News they wanted a night vigil and prayers in the school to calm matters.

XYZ News’ correspondent Jonathan Ofori reported on Tuesday morning that the pastors who are in the school were offering counselling to the students as well.

“They think that since the medical personnel are unravelling the circumstances, they have to also do the spiritual part,” Jonathan said in his report as he said calm had been restored to the school.

About H1N1

According to the World Health Organisation, there are three types of seasonal influenza viruses, types A, B, and C, but only influenza type A viruses are known to have caused pandemics.

The virus is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, cough, headaches, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise, sore throat and a runny nose.

WHO say pregnant women, children aged between six to 59 months, the elderly, individuals with specific chronic medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic heart or lung diseases, and health-care workers have the highest risk of contracting the virus.

Vaccination is said to be the most effective way to prevent the disease, even when a circulating viruse may not exactly match the vaccine viruses.

Closure Uncertain

The minister, at the conference, on Thursday, said authorities of the school, GHS and WHO will ensure “strict adherence to prevention and control measures” to arrest the infection.

Health officials have asked for few days to allow them continue with their prevention measures contrary to earlier reports that the school was to be closed today, Friday, December 8, 2017.

Jonathan reports that teachers and the students are “waiting for directives from authorities” on the school’s closure or otherwise.