As per the latest account of World Health Organisation (WHO), a total of 1124 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection have been reported in as many as 21 countries, including 25 deaths in Mexico.
Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases while United States has reported 286, including one death. In the last couple of days, Canada has reported 41 more cases of swine flu viruses, taking its total to 140. Among other countries with considerable number of human cases is Spain with 54 and United Kingdom 18.
In a statement, Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said the government was monitoring new cases in Canada and around the world “in close cooperation with domestic and international partners.” Canada is likely to uncover more cases.
Flu surveillance in India
India has stepped up its effort of swine flu monitoring by directing screening of passengers at all ports and international air ports. Surveillance at border road posts has also beefed up, as five more people – all Indians – arriving from abroad have reported suspected flu symptoms.
However, Joint Secretary in the health ministry Vineet Chawdhry on Monday informed that there is no laboratory confirmed human death. Samples of suspected patients have been sent to both the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (New Delhi) and National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for tests, he informed.
Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar held a video conference with Chief Secretaries of 17 States and reviewed the preparedness of the States. And the Director General of Health Services held a meeting with Director of Health Services of States/Union Territories and discussed technical aspects, including surveillance at Airports, ports and community; laboratory support; sample collection and transportation, clinical management, risk communication etc.
So far, all suspected samples have been tested negative and India is in better place as far as the spread of swine flu is concerned.
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Comments:
Jacob
May 6, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Is it sure OR that we have don't have the mechanism to identify it. I recently came back from Hong Kong, through the International Airport, Bangalore. The Docs there just ask you whether you are sick? make you fill one form & let you go. In fact, in the Hotel that I was stying in HK, was checking the fever of every guest coming in (everytime) to see whether the person has high temp. In fact, one the passengers was coughing badly, the Doc just asked her whether she was taking madicine & let her go? Lets be sure that the flu has not reached after putting more robust screening procedure.