Meghalaya govt alerts health officials about swine-flu

Meghalaya government today alerted health authorities to prevent any possible outbreak of swine-flu in the state, officials said today.
"We have asked all our health care centres to remain alert for any flu-like symptoms to report immediately for necessary follow ups to prevent any loss of life," Health department Joint Director Dr R O Budnah told PTI after a high level meeting here.
Health Secretary M R Synrem chaired the high level meeting on swine flu at the secretariat which was attended by top health officials including Dr Budnah who is also Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) chief.
All district hospitals and private hospitals have been directed to gear up for the eventuality of the outbreak and follow strict guidelines with regards to containing the disease, the official said.

Surveillance officers have been asked to keep strict vigil and monitor the situation closely even as they were instructed to report to the concerned health centre for any symptom of suspected swine flu.
While there is no reported case of swine flu in Meghalaya, the IDSP chief said the state health department is gearing up to meet any eventuality of the outbreak.
Weekly meeting is being held regularly to monitor the situation in the state and the Central Surveillance and Emergency Medical Service Units in New Delhi is being updated on the activities.
Allaying fears that swine flu is caused by eating pork, consumed by the tribal population here, Dr Budnah said swine flu is like any other 'seasonal flu' which is preventable by maintaining hygiene such as washing hands regularly and also wearing face masks or at least maintain safe distance from those affected by the virus.