The Hindu : Front Page : A(H1N1) flu: RGIA fortified

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Monday, Jun 08, 2009
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A(H1N1) flu: RGIA fortified

M. Sai Gopal

Coordination centre set up at Government Chest Hospital in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Seven positive influenza A (H1N1) flu virus cases, including an indigenous flu positive case, the largest number in the country, has prompted authorities to take measures to convert Hyderabad into a veritable fortress. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has been fortified with doctors and a coordination centre, on the lines of a command centre, has been set up at ground zero, i.e. at the Government General and Chest Hospital, Erragadda.

Efforts are also on to acquire Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for air passengers who manifest typical flu-like symptoms to protect other passengers. On Sunday, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to arrange for PPE to contain the spread of virus to other air passengers.

Increased surveillance

Dr. Reddy wanted increased surveillance at all the sea ports by setting up check points and asked officials to re-examine all the co-passengers of those admitted to the hospital with suspected symptoms. A massive contact programme has been launched to reach out to all passengers of the British Airways flight (BA 277).

The decision to set up a coordination centre was taken on Sunday after the NICD team interacted with doctors at the Chest Hospital. The NICD team, while conveying satisfaction over isolation and quarantine facilities, has suggested taking up field surveillance and a thorough epidemiological study.

“The NICD researchers will take up field visits and contact other passengers of the flight.

They have asked us to strengthen our field work. We are fully prepared to meet any exigency and I request the public not to panic,” Principal Secretary for Health and Medical L. V. Subramanyam said.

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