15 Pokhara students test positive as H1N1 cases

[Roehl_JC]

Initial tests have shown occurrence of swine flu in 15 children of Pokhara, Kantipur daily reported.

Out of 19 samples, 15 tested positive to pandemic influenza H1N1, said Dr Duk Bahadur Chhetri, pathologist of Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara. The hospital had tested samples of throat swab and phlegm of patients who showed symptoms similar to that of swine flu.

However, the health ministry is yet to confirm the detection of swine flu in Pokhara saying it can?t trust all tests due to reasons of quality control.

The samples have been forwarded to National Public Health Lab at Teku for further tests. We can confirm whether the cases are swine flu or not only after test results from the central lab, said Dr Jitendra Man Shrestha, joint co-ordinator of Influenza Control Project of the ministry. Test results will come Sunday.

Earlier, swine flu was detected in the neighboring district Parbat. The government has adopted high-alert measures to control the spreading of the flu from Parbat. Doctors have also said, swine flu detected in Parbat is of a mild kind which can be cured relatively easily. nepalnews.com

http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index...l/2390-swine-flu-detected-in-pokhara-too.html

 

[Roehl_JC]

Re: 15 Pokhara students test positive as H1N1 cases

Is swine flu spreading in Pokhara?

Bibhu Bhusal


POKHARA: With the onset of winter, the strains of swine flu virus are mutating rapidly. Fifteen more people are believed to have tested positive for the pandemic in the Lake City.

However, neither Western Regional Hospital nor Regional Directorate of Public Health has gone public with the test results. Dr Buddhi Bahadur Thapa, superintendent, Western Regional Hospital, said that the announcement would be made on Sunday. While, Pritam Sharma, spokesman, Regional Directorate of Public Health, maintained that the institute was yet to receive the report from the capital.

The officials at the District Public Health Office, Kaski, had said a few days ago that Pokhara was free from swine flu threat. They claimed that an awareness campaign was also launched. Kaski health personnel were on high alert following the outbreak of the disease in the neighbouring districts ? Parbat, Baglung, and Myagdi ? in the western region.

The contagious disease might have spread in Pokhara since the tourist hub is the gateway to the swine flu-hit districts. Pokhara residents have started using masks as a precautionary measure. They are also cautious not to shake hands.

Panic has struck Tanahun as well since the number of patients, suffering from common cold and viral fever, has gone up in the past few days. Health personnel in Damauli and Bandipur said that locals, especially children and senior citizens, were taking all preventive measures. Dr Shushil Nath Pyakurel, who works in Damauli Hospital, said that the situation was under control.

Final results likely tomorrow

KATHMANDU: A preliminary report has confirmed 15 swine flu cases in Pokhara. Jeetendra Man Shrestha, deputy coordinator, Avian Influenza Control Project (AICP), said that final results were expected on Sunday. Dr Bhim Tinkari, coordinator, AICP said that 10 samples were recently collected from Baglung and 15 each from Myagdi and Parbat. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the number of confirmed swine flu cases stands at 63. ? HNS


http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fu...+swine+flu+spreading+in+Pokhara?&NewsID=46935

 

[Roehl_JC]

Re: 15 Pokhara students test positive as H1N1 cases

POKHARA: As swine flu spread panic in Pokhara, the local residents have started taking all precautions.

People have stopped shaking hands with each other and have started wearing masks. District Public Health Office Kaski has issued a red alert for influenza A (HIN1).

Public Health Chief Mahendra Dhwoj Adhikari said campaigns would be launched to make people aware about the disease. Health workers have urged locals to contact health institutions if anyone showed symptoms of high fever, chest pain, severe cough and difficulty in breathing.

As a precaution, people have been asked to wear mask, avoid shaking hands, keep a metre's distance from another, wash hands with soap water, refrain from walking in the open air and avoid contact with a suspected patient of swine flu. Medical Superintendent of Western Regional Hospital Dr Buddhi Bahadur Thapa said the hospital has braced itself for treating swine flu patients. "We have arranged for rapid treatment for those infected with the disease," he informed.

As people suddenly started buying masks, their demand has shot up in the market. Nirakar Dhakal, who sells masks on New Road, said he was selling 25 of them each day.

Earlier, swine flu appeared in three neighbouring districts - Parbat, Baglung and Myagdi. People here have been cautious when 15 children tested positive for the disease yesterday.

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fu...relis+precautious+about+pandemic&NewsID=47225