Mauritius on high alert after finding swine flu

The island nation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean has put its international airport on high alert after confirmation of the first case of H1N1 swine flu.

Xinhua cited reports as saying that two other H1N1 flu cases have been diagnosed after the first hospitalisation, while the health ministry said 30 other cases have been reported.

A vast disinfection and clean-up operation was organised at the company where the infected peson was working.

However, the health ministry has reiterated that there was no need to panic. A doctor from the ministry said the H1N1 virus is always treated just like any other seasonal flu.

Dr. Nundlall, deputy director for health services, said the ministry was monitoring the spread of the A H1N1 virus.

He said there were three types of the virus in Mauritius -- flu B, Flu A (H3N2) and flu A (H1N1).

Nundlall said the World Health Organisation had declared the end of the H1N1 pandemic in 2010, and added that a vaccine to fight the flu has been developed.

Citizens have been urged to come for vaccination through a campaign initiated by the health ministry.