Containment operation on for bird flu in Jalpaiguri, Malda

New Delhi, Apr 2 (UNI) With many cases of fever and respiratory infection being reported from Jalpaiguri and Malda districts of West Bengal where avian influenza has been notified, the government is monitoring the situation carefully.

However, no suspected human cases of bird flu has been reported from either of the districts.

In the affected area of Jalpaiguri active house-to-house surveillance is continuing in 0-3 Km area. A population of 29253 has been covered. Eleven cases of fever/URI have been identified in the community. None of them had exposure to infected poultry.

In 3-10 Km area, a population of 78197 has been covered.

Though 122 cases of fever/URI have been identified in the community, none of them had exposure to infected poultry. In hospitals, 56 cases of fever/URI have been reported but they also had exposure to infected poultry. However, 224 animal health workers are under medical supervision and chemoprophylaxis.

Adequate stock of Oseltamivir, personal protective equipment are available with the State/district authorities.

In Malda district, in 0-3 Km area, a population of 218918 has been covered. Four cases of fever/URI have been detected but none of them had exposure to infected poultry. In 3-10 Km area a population of 303919 has been covered. Three cases of fever/URI have been detected, but none of them had exposure to infected poultry.

As many as 215 animal husbandry workers who were involved in containment operations are under medical supervision and chemoprophylaxis. One person is kept under observation. Adequate stock of Oseltamivir, personal protective equipments are available with the State/district authorities.

UNI AJ MSJ KN1450