HARARE, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Five school children in Mutare, a city 260 km to the east of Harare, have tested positive for the A/H1N1 flu, the country's first cases of the flu which has swept many parts of the world since it broke out in Mexico in April this year.

    New Ziana reported on Thursday that health and child welfare minister Henry Madzorera told a press conference that the five, all pupils at Hillcrest Primary School, tested positive for the flu early this month.

    "Samples were also forwarded for confirmatory tests to South Africa from results we have just received, all five came back positive," he said.

    Madzorera said following the outbreak, the government is activating the concrete preparedness and response plan it has developed to deal with the pandemic.

    He said national trainers have been identified and trained for major cities, provinces and districts with ports of entry, while all laboratory scientists in the public service have received training in conducting rapid tests, collecting and forwarding specimens for confirmation.

    Madzorera said a national pandemic influenza and response plan has been developed to give guidance on the coordination, case management, including laboratory support, surveillance, logistics and public health measures at points of entry. 　

Special Report:  World Tackles A/H1N1 Flu