New Delhi, April 28: Government has put on high alert all international
airports and ports for identifying persons with suspected infection of swine
flu.
Those traveling to affected areas have also been advised to defer their non
essential travel. Official sources said that instructions have been given to
track down people who arrive in India from Mexico, the US, Canada, New Zealand,
Spain, France and the United Kingdom. A high level meeting chaired by the
Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research reviewed the situation
following the outbreak of the virus in Mexico. A strategy was put in place to
prevent its outbreak in India. The meeting advised the States to review their
preparedness against the disease. Meanwhile, government has prepared a proforma
to be given to the passengers coming from affected countries for voluntary
declaration of any flu symptoms. Arrangements have also been made that if any
foreigner develops such symptoms subsequently, he can report to the authorities
on the Toll Free No. 23921401 at the National Institute of Communicable
Diseases. A round the clock call centre under the integrated disease
surveillance project has also been established for attending the calls of the
public. The Toll Free No is 1075.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the deadly swine flu virus first
detected in Mexico can no longer be contained. WHO Assistant Director General
Keiji Fukuda said countries should now focus on mitigating the effects of the
virus. The WHO has raised its alert level from three to four, two steps short of
declaring a full pandemic. The number of probable deaths from the virus in
Mexico has officially risen to 152 though only 20 cases are confirmed. The WHO's
decision to raise the alert level to four came after an emergency meeting of
experts, brought forward by a day because of concerns over the outbreak.
The US, Canada, Spain and Britain have confirmed milder versions of the disease.
