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(A) H1N1 spreading in Maharashtra:
Limit travels to Mumbai and Pune
Health authorities issued a fresh warning to the public yesterday to
limit travelling to India, especially to Mumbai and Pune, as the Novel
influenza (A) H1N1 is rapidly spreading in the Maharashtra State.
Over 1,000 have been detected with the Novel Influenza and 23 deaths
have been reported in the State so far, Health Ministry Media
Coordinating Secretary W.M.D. Wanninayake told the Daily News.
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(A)H1N1
Novel Influenza (A)H1N1 spreads
fast due to human to human contact. The symptoms are similar to
those of general influenza including fever, cough, difficulty in
breathing, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and
fatigue. If not treated immediately the disease may aggravate
and develop into pneumonia or infection in the lungs which can
be fatal. |
"India being our immediate neighbour and a very important economic
and travelling hub, the flu outbreak in the subcontinent raises concerns
for other countries in the region. Therefore, the Epidemiology Unit of
the Ministry reiterates to the public to refrain from travelling to
India especially to the Maharashtra State unless for unavoidable
circumstances."
Sri Lanka reported the first (A) H1N1 case on June 16 this year and
to date 70 patients have been reported. "Of these, 87 percent were
infected in foreign countries and the rest by associating the (A) H1N1
patients. Therefore travelling to the affected countries has been a
major cause of spreading the epidemic," he added.
The Epidemiology Unit has outlined a set of precautions to contain
the spread of the disease in the country.
Washing hands with a good antiseptic after travelling in public
transport, proper disposal of used face tissues and handkerchiefs and
visiting the nearest Government hospital or IDH Hospital, Colombo if flu
symptoms and respiratory difficulties emerge after associating with a
(A) H1N1 confirmed patient will help contain the disease. |
