BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Mataniko Pikinini Clinic is reporting a continuous increase in cases of influenza-like illnesses among outpatients.

Speaking to Island Sun recently, Nurse-in-Charge Jemimah Kera said the clinic has been treating numerous patients presenting with coughs, flu, and fevers since before the New Year.

She revealed that the clinic recorded approximately 200 cases, involving both children and the elderly, by the end of last year. Kera urged the public to exercise caution as the numbers continue to rise.

“Just before the New Year in 2024, we recorded a total of 200 cases. Illnesses like these usually follow events such as the rainy season, cyclones, and so on,” said Mrs. Kera.

She added that as of Thursday, January 2, 2024, the clinic had recorded 196 cases.

“Since we resumed operations on Thursday, we recorded 196 cases. By Friday, January 3, that number had risen to 210,” she said.

Mrs. Kera anticipates that the number of cases will continue to increase in the coming weeks.

“The best advice we can offer is for parents to take better care of their children. You cannot always depend on medication. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Children are particularly vulnerable to these illnesses,” she said.

Mrs. Kera also noted that many of the cases involving children are linked to young parents.

“This highlights a concerning trend: young mothers and fathers are not taking proper care of their children. It is interesting to see how parenting has changed compared to the past, when older generations were more attentive,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of parents taking these rising numbers seriously.

“Yes, the number of cases has grown from 100 to over 200. It’s something parents need to pay attention to,” Mrs. Kera concluded.

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