ITANAGAR, Aug 5: The Arunachal Pradesh govt has sounded a swine flu alert across this hilly state, intensifying its precautionary measures to combat the disease.
The govt’s latest move in this regard came barely two days after a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Maharashtra succumbed to A(H1N1) influenza at a Pune-based hospital and more particularly, the first case of infection of the virus in the North East by a 19-year-old Manipuri woman fencer who had reportedly tested positive for the disease on her return from an international competition in Singapore last month.
The State’s Health Services Director Dr T Basar informed that the local peoples returning from abroad sharing the same flight with the overseas co-passengers should inform the Health authorities on their arrival so that it could take precautionary measures in time.
As part of preventive measure, doctors have already been asked to remain ready to check passengers, particularly those coming from aboard. So far, we have not received any report of incoming passengers having symptoms of swine flu, the Director said.
The department has also urged the state govt to restrict the entry of foreigners, he said adding that there was no co-passenger from Arunachal in the Indigo flight from Delhi to Guwahati taken by the 19-year-old Manipuri girl. The Manipuri fencer tested positive on her return from Singapore.
Dr Basar further informed that the department has sufficient medicines to tackle any eventuality in case of outbreak of swine flu in the state.
Following the first case of swine flu death in Pune on Monday last, the Capital District Administrator Padmini Singla today convened a review meeting at her office premises with the CMO of General Hospital, Naharlagun and other administrative officers in order to take stock of preparedness by the authority to tackle the situation.
The CMO informed that a team of doctors along with other required staff, equipped with sufficient medicines has been kept ready for treatment and investigation in case of any outbreak of swine flu in the state capital complex. Besides, an isolation ward has also been designated at the General Hospital for the purpose.
The DC, meanwhile, appealed to capital dwellers to immediately report to the General Hospital in case any suspected swine flu infection. She also urged the hospital authorities to remain in the state of absolute preparedness to handle any emergency.
Media reports confirmed that the 19-year-old Manipuri girl along with three other Indian fencers and a coach had tested positive for swine flu on their return from Singapore. A 30-member team of Indian fencers, including five from Manipur, was in Singapore from July 14 to 22 last to paricipate in the Junior Asian and Cadet Championship.
Meanwhile, the Centre yesterday revised the guidelines for suspected cases of swine flu infection. The Health Ministry said it may not be necessary for persons with symptoms like sore throat, cough and running nose to be immediately admitted to the identified hospital. Admission in the identified health facility will become mandatory once the sample is found positive, the Ministry added.