Influenza in East Africa, 1969-70

Very little information is available concerning the frequency of influenza in East Africa. Following recent outbreaks of influenza in Uganda, that were due to the A2/Hong Kong/68 virus, it was considered useful to obtain information relating to the prevalence of infection due to this virus and to the current strain of influenza B virus, not only in Uganda but also in the neighbouring territories of Kenya and Tanzania. The results of serological testing of sera showed that widespread outbreaks of influenza A2/Hong Kong/68 infection had occurred recently in all three territories, while there was evidence of sporadic infection in all territories by the current influenza B strain. Despite the favourable climate of East Africa, it is evident that widespread outbreaks of influenza can occur, and these may arise during the period of the year when influenza is rare in countries with temperate climates. Influenza can easily spread to other countries via air travellers to and from East Africa.