Assam now on alert for Swine Flu

Guwahati, May 2: Sikkim is now on Alert against the outbreak of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

Authorities in pork loving Assam convened a high-level meeting to issue directives to the concerned officials regarding the precautionary measures to be taken.

"We have already alerted all our pig farm managers and the district officials to be alert if any influenza, swine flu is reported among the pigs. It should be immediately treated. They have been asked to keep general surveillance on the pig population of the area," said Shyamlal Mewara, principal secretary, vet and animal husbandry.

Pig meat is a staple diet of the people of northeast and particularly Assam. Use of pork is customary among many tribes of the state on many religious and auspicious occasions.

The Governments of other states - Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur have also sounded alert.

Earlier on Saturday, May 2, three passengers have been admitted at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in New Delhi and are being quarantined for symptoms of swine flu infection.

Two out of the three passengers have been flown in from Chicago and third from London.

Fifteen countries as of now have confirmed cases of the new H1N1 swine flu virus.

ANI