Swine flu alert

India put on Swine flu alert

New Delhi: After keeping in view the reported human cases of Swine influenza caused by a re-assorted Swine flu virus in several countries, the Government of India has instituted a series of preventive actions that include surveillance at ports and international airports. The Health Ministry is keeping a watch on the situation through Integrated Disease Surveillance units in the states and has issued travel advisory for those traveling to the affected areas to defer their plan. The states have been advised to review their preparedness to investigate and contain any suspected cluster of influenza like illness. The Central Government would be supporting the states in terms of guidelines, experts, material logistics and laboratory support. The 24x7 call centre has been set up under Integrated Diseases Surveillance Project to attend calls from the public regarding reporting of influenza like illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported human cases of Swine Influenza A (HINI) caused by a re-assorted Swine flu virus.

The cases first noticed in Mexico has spread to the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, France, UK and Hong Kong. As on date there are about 1200 suspect cases reported with about 86 deaths. The WHO has officially designated this outbreak as public health emergency of international concern. However, the WHO has yet not given the pandemic alert phase.

-April 27, 2009

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