Even as dengue refuses to subside particularly in the National Capital, Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) is also gradually rearing its head in some parts of the country, prompting the Union Health Ministry to ask States to take precautionary steps to curb the disease.
Swine flu cases are currently being reported from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Telangana and the Ministry fears that the virus is likely to spread in more areas in the ensuing winter season.
Refusing to take any chance, the wary Ministry has now asked the State Governments to submit a status report on their preparedness to tackle the Swine flu by October 10.
Health Minister J P Nadda who reviewed the situation with representatives of Goa, Kerala, Telangana, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday said, “the States are advised to ensure that they have the required and adequate quantities of stock of drug Oseltamivir, viral diagnostic kits, viral transport media, personal protective equipment and N-95 masks, at different levels in the healthcare system.
“State governments have also been requested to ensure that sufficient isolation facilities are available and functional, well-equipped to manage critical respiratory emergencies.”
The Ministry has also asked the states to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent morbidity or mortality due to the H1N1 virus.
Swine flu cases are currently being reported from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Telangana and with ensuing winter season, these cases might see an increase, one of the advisories said.
Chief secretaries of the states and Union Territories have been requested to review the preparedness measures in the state at their level and issue necessary guidance to address shortfalls.
The advisory said that while most of influenza A H1N1 cases will be mild, persons with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, cancer and other immuno- compromised conditions, adults more than 65 years old, children under 5 years of age and pregnant women are at higher risk for acquiring severe illness.
It further asks state governments to ensure adequate epidemiological surveillance to immediately detect clustering of influenza-like illnesses along with requisite laboratory preparedness to test the clinical samples.