LUSAKA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- An outbreak of influenza, also known as H3N2, has been reported at the University of Zambia in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, health authorities said on Wednesday.

       Sylvia Masebo, the Minister of Health, said the ministry was notified of an increased number of people presenting flu-like symptoms at the university and surrounding areas last month, a situation that forced the ministry to institute investigations.

       She told reporters during a press briefing that out of 40 samples collected, 39 tested positive for influenza but none of the patients tested positive for COVID-19.

       The minister said the age range of those infected was between 14 and 47, with 23 being males and 16 females.

       She has since urged people in the city to adhere to preventive measures like those prescribed for COVID-19 to avoid the further spread of influenza.