Karnataka scales up preventive measures against H1N1 flu

In the backdrop of reports of suspected H1N1 flu cases in Delhi, the Karnataka Government today decided to scale up preventive measures by roping in some private hospitals.     

At a high-level meeting of officials of Health Department, Medical Education and Bruhut Bangalore Mahanagara Palike health wing, chaired by Minister for Transport R Ashok, it was decided to ask immigration authorities at Bangalore International Airport (BIA) to furnish a list of international passengers who travelled to the city from April 20.     

Ashok, also in-charge of Bangalore City, later told reporters that a 25-member team of doctors have been screening passengers at BIA since April 28 round the clock.     

So far, 6836 passengers had been screened and none had tested positive for the flu, he said.     

As a precautionary measure it has been decided to screen passengers who arrived here between April 20 to 27, he said.     

Meanwhile, the Centre has despatched 10,000 Tamiflu tablets, 5,000 triple layer medical masks and 500 special masks used by doctors, Ashok said.     

The government has identified 10 government hospitals and three private hospitals — St Johns, Manipal and Columbia Asia -- have also agreed to create special wards to treat patients.The pathological laboratory at NIMHANS has been upgraded and equipped with facilities to test blood samples related to Vectra borne disease, Ashok said.     In the event of more samples needing to be tested, they would be sent to Pune, he said.     

Ten cases of confirmed chikungunya and five cases of Dengue fever have been detected in the city since January so far, he said.     

A massive fogging exercise has been taken up in areas of Devarajeevanahalli and Jayanagar where these cases have been reported and BBMP asked to undertake a drive to keep these areas clean, he said.     

"We are in constant touch with WHO and the Centre for guidance on H1N1 flu", Ashok said.