Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, August 29 2009:
Joint Director of Manipur Health department Dr Bhubon Chandra while speaking to media persons in Imphal on Saturday said that the pandemic swine flu is actually a virus identified as A-H1N1 and spoke about the precautionary measures to be taken against this virus.
He said that the virus A-H1N1 has no relation with swine, it spreads very fast but is rarely fatal compared with the H5N1 virus responsible for bird flu which is slow in spreading but mostly fatal.
Four samples have been sent for testing of H1N1 virus so far, out of which one was found positive, two negative and the result of one is still being awaited, Dr Bhubon Chandra informed.
He further informed that Kingfisher and Indigo have refused to carry samples for testing of H1N1 virus, and in connection with the matter, chief secretary of Manipur has written a letter to the civil aviation ministry for necessary action against the two flight companies.
The training program for rapid response team (RRT) concluded on Friday and one check post has already been opened at Jiribam, bordering Assam, along the national highway 53 and another will be opened at Mao, bordering Nagaland, along national highway 39 on Tuesday, said the joint director.
Currently, there is no vaccine for A-H1N1 virus and Tamiflu capsules are used just to control the virus, said Dr Bhubon Chandra.
Pamphlets were distributed to the media persons for publication in local papers in connection with precautionary measures to be taken up against the A-H1N1 virus.