Swine flu alert as Jhanda fair set to begin

The devotees have begun thronging the Capital city of Dehradun in large numbers to attend the famous Jhanda fair which starts on March 11. The health department officials, however, are worried as congregation of lakhs of devotees during the fair could give a fillip to the number of swine flu cases in the district.

The arrival of lakhs of devotees in the crowded lanes of city during the fair could be the cause spreading of infection.  The district health department reeling under recent spurt in swine flu affected cases in the district is worried as infection could multiply during this period. When contacted the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Dehradun said the department was on an alert mode on swine flu front. He said that 30 cases of disease are reported in the district till date. The department however got some relief as reports of 9 samples which arrived from National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC) on Monday proved negative. Dr Agarwal advised that people should avoid going in the crowed places and regularly wash their hands from soap to prevent themselves from infection. He said that awareness is the only prevention for the disease.

 The CMO claimed that the department is having sufficient stock of swine flu medicine. The Jhanda fair is celebrated to commemorate the birthday and arrival of Guru Ram Rai at Doon valley in the year 1676. The followers of the Udaseen sect which was founded by Shree Guru Ram Rai converge in the city during the fair to pay their obedience at Darbar sahib located in heart of the city. The organizers of the fair claim that 4-5 lakh devotees are expected to visit the 15 day long fair. The devotees from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan visit the fair in large numbers. These states incidentally are having large number of swine flu affected patients.