The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed the outbreak of HANZ virus with a call on Ghanaians to be on the alert.

Hanz Virus also known as H3N2v is a strain of influenza usually found in pigs, birds and humans and spreads more easily to humans from pigs than other swine influenza viruses.

These influenza viruses easily change (Mutation). Adults usually have stronger immunity than children.

A statement from the Service has said.

It could be easily transmitted through droplets from infected persons through cough or sneezing.

Symptoms of H3N2v include fever with cough and runny nose.

Other possible symptoms are body aches, nausea, chills, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

H3N2v, the statement said could sometimes cause severe diseases like pneumonia, which could lead to hospitalisation, and at the worse result in death.

In a related development, the GHS has suspended all football games involving Accra Hearts of Oak due to the outbreak of influenza A subtype H3N2v among the players.

The suspension came after the Club reported an unknown illness that left them with only 16 players available for their midweek match against Bibiani Goldstar.

The situation compelled the Ghana Football Association to postpone their clash against Eleven Wonders.

The Public Relations Office of the Students’ Representative Council of the University of Ghana in a statement, cautioned students against the outbreak.