As the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the pandemic alert for Swine flu from level 4 to level 5 because of its present situation and widespread concern of human infection, the Government of India has initiated a series of preventive measures and has found no suspected case in the country thus far.
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, Vineet Chaudhary while speaking to the reporters in the national capital New Delhi confirmed that there is no suspected case of swine flu as of now and the health officials are taking all necessary measures to respond to any situation in the event of an outbreak of the influenza.
The health ministry clarification came after a 27-year-old passenger returning from Texas, USA reached Hyderabad on April 28, reported flu like symptoms though he was found healthy with no symptoms of flu. His clinical samples have also been sent to the laboratory for further test.
Meanwhile, no other suspect case been identified in the screening at International Airports and Ports. Surveillance through Integrated Disease Surveillance units is in place and travel advisory has been issued asking passengers to restrict their travels to the affected countries.
Individual state administrations have also been advised to review their preparedness to investigate and contain any suspected cluster of Influenza like Illness. A necessary guideline has been issued from Centre to all States and Union Territories.
Medical supplies including personal protective equipments, Oseltamivir capsules, N-95 masks and three layered surgical masks have been supplied to Regional Director Offices of the Health Ministry to as many as 19 cities to meet any emergent requirement of the States.
Virus name - Influenza A (H1N1)
Meanwhile, WHO on Thursday (April 30) published that the new influenza virus will be referred as A (H1N1). The UN body has now put the total number of laboratory confirmed cases to 257, including eight deaths.
According to WHO, Mexico has the largest number of death cases to seven and a total of 97 laboratory confirmed human cases while the United States has reported 109 human cases with one death of a toddler in Texas city.
WHO in a statement said: ‘There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Moreover, Individuals should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.’
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