Sixteen samples from Nagaland sent for Swine flu test so far

EMN
DIMAPUR, MARCH 2

Till date 16 samples have been sent to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dibrugarh from Nagaland for Swine flu test out of which four have been tested positive. Of the four persons one is from Delhi and the rest three are from Nagaland, according State Nodal Officer of Health department Dr. Tiasunup Pongener. He said all these cases are ‘imported’ from other states.
“The ICMR Laboratory at Dibrugarh, notified by the government of India for the Northeast region, has advised us to screen the patients by following the Standard Operation Procedure Guidelines (SOP) of Government of India prior to collection and despatch of samples. All district hospitals have been instructed to follow the same criteria of screening,” Dr Pongener said. Treatment with Capsule Oseltamivir for confirmed H1N1 patients is available with the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (provided on need based). The Government of India guideline also says that vaccine should be given to high risk people e.g. Health personnel, chronic asthmatic patient, Immuno compromised cases etc. Hence, Government of Nagaland is contemplating to provide vaccination to its Health personnel, stated Dr Pongener.In the meantime, the Department of Health & Family Welfare does not recommend the use and promotion of any unrecognized or unauthorized medicines, according to Dr Pongener.
The status of H1N1 (Swine Flu) Epidemic in Nagaland is under control. “However, we should not be complacent but remain vigilant and alert. Though all cases are imported from outside, it is to be noted that the VIRUS has entered Nagaland and it is here to stay and cause sporadic and seasonal outbreaks in future,” he added.
Epidemiological and behavioural pattern suggest that the direction of the epidemic in our state is not so alarming at this juncture because of the following reasons:
(a) High level of commitment from the Government.
(b)The warmer and dry weather is over taking the cold wave
(c) Awareness level among people is getting better (e.g. increase use of Mask, ready to learn and act responsibly).
(d) Commitment and sensitivity of Health personnel is gaining ground.
(e) Contribution of Stakeholders e.g Media, NGOs, Private Practitioners, Paramilitary forces, Police, Home guards etc is good.
(f) Experiences gained during 2009 H1N1 pandemic and Ebola outbreak and the preparedness by State Health Department came handy.
However, more thrust should be given by all stakeholders in order to control the situation, Dr Pongener said.
“The fight has just begun and every individual should contribute in his or her capacity for a safer and better future. We should avoid unnecessary travel outside, observe safety habits, prevent spread to others, avoid crowded places, seek timely medical advice, eat nutritious food and get plenty of sleep and rest. At the same time do not panic or create rumours but be cautious and cooperate at all levels,” he added.
“With the arrival of the windy season it is advisable that we take all precautionary measures against Respiratory Diseases especially exposure to dust,” said Dr Pongener.