Dimapur, September 8 (MExN): Even as scientists are saying that the dreaded H1N1 virus could become more virulent with the onset of winter, the state Medical department today informed that it is closely monitoring the situation. It has also been taking samples of suspected cases and sending it to the Regional Medical Research Centre in Dibrugarh, Assam.
“We are on our toes…especially as winter is coming and the scientists are saying that the virus (H1N1) might become more virulent…we are on alert,” the state’s Health Commissioner & Secretary Menukhol John said this evening. He said there is no cause for alarm but the public should be more alert. So far, the state has sent fourteen throat and nasal samples of twelve persons who were suspected to have been infected with the virus. All the samples tested negative, much to the relief of the Medical department and the public.
“Fortunately there are no positive cases so far,” Commissioner John said this evening. He informed that Nagaland is still under Level-1 of strategy to deal with the dreaded influenza as there have been no positive cases so far. Besides there have also been no suspected cases of H1N1 within the last few days, and no samples have been sent to the RMRC. The state Health machinery has formulated a Level-I, Level-II and Level-III strategy for tackling the spread of the flu.
Menukhol John also disclosed that the Dimapur airport is secure and that passengers are being closely monitored. A medical team is also reported to have been stationed at Dimapur airport. But the commissioner expressed helplessness that the train station cannot be “secured” for now. The problem is the huge number of passengers coming in and out of the train station. He said securing the rail station in Dimapur is something “humanly impossible” given the fact that thousands stream in and out of Dimapur through the trains everyday. He however disclosed that efforts are being initiated in this regard with the railway authorities. This way, passengers suspected of the virus can be quarantined until they are cured.
Also, saying that the state Health machinery is still on high alert, Menukhol informed that they are updating the central government every day. He said private hospitals and nursing homes on their part are being very cooperative and are extending their help to the government. Menukhol expressed happiness to the private clinics and nursing homes for their help and said it is a sign that the people are becoming more aware and alert.
He also said that the health department has set up a “24-7” helpline so people can call anytime if they have any queries or complaints. Details and also the numbers of the helpline would be notified later to the public through the media, he said. Meanwhile, Health Minister Kuzholuzo Neinu when contacted, simply said that the department briefs the media every evening at the directorate at 3:30 pm. He refused to take any queries.
Elsewhere, four more people have died from the H1N1 virus since Monday, taking India’s total death toll to 135. Also, another 147 fresh cases of swine flu were reported in the country, taking the number of people affected by the flu, to 4,885.
