The global outbreak of a new strain of influenza virus: the H1N1 originating in Mexico has now reached India’s shore and within striking distance of Nagaland’s border. Commonly known as swine flu, it’s now official that swine flu has reached Manipur, our close door neighbor, which has reported one case. As far as the all India figures go the numbers of both confirmed cases of swine flu and also casualty is increasing with every passing day. While as late as Saturday evening it was informed that another woman, who had tested positive for swine flu, had died at a Mumbai hospital, there are now confirmed reports that the death toll has gone up to four. Just few days back, a 14-year-old Pune girl Rida Shaikh has died of the deadly H1N1 virus becoming the first victim in India. The concern is that cases of swine flu and casualty are increasing everyday, which indicates that it is spreading across borders.
As for Nagaland and the response till date, the government appears to be taking some measure which is a good sign. But beyond that like most of us, the authorities seem to prefer a wait and watch policy. The point to be made here is that we should not panic or create fear psychosis and confusion. However this does not mean that we become complacent and do not take the necessary logistic and preventive measures. The Nagaland government’s objective should simply put two fold. One is to put in place the necessary medical requirement including availability of doctors, medicine (tamilflu) and facilitating prompt tests and diagnosis, which will include sending test samples outside the State. Secondly the government must take whatever preventive measures to ensure that swine flu is contained and does not become a pandemic. If the government can do these two things properly, it will solve many problems.
On the preventive side, while travel advisories asking people not to travel to certain destination, may not be necessary at the moment, it would make sense for the State government to seriously think about monitoring the movement of passengers especially in the Dimapur airport and railway station—the two major entry point to the State. If required at a later stage the government can also decide to begin screening passengers. It is known that there are many students from Nagaland studying or working in such places as Pune, worst affected by the pandemic. In Delhi as well three doctors were confirmed to have contracted swine flu too. With Delhi, Pune and Mumbai having a strong presence from Nagaland the need to remain informed about the situation, which the State Home Department should monitor through the respective Nagaland Houses and the Deputy Resident Commissioners.
Concurrently what the State government can do as a first preventive step is to ask persons with influenza-like symptoms to undergo clinical examination at government-designated hospitals and if advised by the doctors testing for swine flu can be done or if it is a case of normal flu, patients can be treated accordingly. It is critical to educate the public to come forward and get themselves tested and treated if at all they develop any of the symptoms. A calm yet vigilant approach along with proper public education will help in preventing the flu from spreading and to create awareness for which, maybe the platform of the Church should be roped in.
