The Hindu : New Delhi News : Ready to tackle swine flu

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Tuesday, Jun 09, 2009
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Ready to tackle swine flu

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

Capital well stocked in terms of vaccine: Health Secretary

Massive information campaign started to provide information to the public about detection and prevention
Training camps held for medical staff to ensure that they are well prepared in case of any emergency

NEW DELHI: With two persons in the Capital having tested positive for influenza A (H1N1) and undergoing treatment under “home quarantine”, the State Health Department has asked both government and private hospitals to be vigilant and report any suspected case of flu immediately.

“The National Institute of Communicable Diseases has confirmed two cases of swine flu in the city. One is a 35-year-old man who has tested positive for influenza A (H1N1). The person had come from New York on June 2 and had developed flu-like symptoms two days after reaching Delhi. He has tested positive. He has also transmitted the flu to his mother. The two are under home quarantine and medical treatment is being provided to them,” said State Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) J. P. Singh on Monday.

He said the Capital was well stocked in terms of vaccine for the flu.

Meanwhile, a massive information campaign has been unleashed to provide information to the public about detection and prevention of the flu. “We have had detailed interaction with the medical heads of various government hospitals and informed them about the requirements in case patients come over with flu to the hospital. We have also held training camps for medical staff to ensure that they are well prepared in case of any emergency,” Mr. Singh added.

The State Health Department has also roped in private hospitals for the exercise.

National Institute of Communicable Diseases head Dr. Shiv Lal said: “We had issued a set of guidelines to all State governments about detection, treatment and prevention of influenza A (H1N1). A campaign is also under way aimed specifically at providing information to people about the influenza.”

Following the outbreak of the flu that set off panic in many countries, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here set up an isolation ward. “We established the ward a month ago for any suspected case of flu we might get from passengers coming from abroad who have been detected with the symptom and need further medical aid and investigation. We are fully prepared for any emergency and have a protocol in place to handle these cases,” said Hospital Medical Superintendent N. K. Chaturvedi.

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