Odisha steps up measures to prevent swine flu

Berhampur (Odisha), March 8: In a bid to prevent spread of swine flu by migrant workers, health officers of Odisha's Ganjam district will keep track of their return, mainly from Gujarat where the disease has affected many.

Recently, some labourers returned from Surat to participate in 'Danda Nata' that starts from third week of this month and ends on 'Maha Bishubha Sankranti' on April 14.

Around seven lakh Odia workers, mostly from Ganjam, work in textile mills and diamond cutting industries in Surat and Ahmedabad respectively, officials said.

"We will track the labourers when they return. If possible, we will sensitise them at railway stations. They will be advised to come to the hospital if they have flu symptoms," said Chief District Medical Officer (in-charge), Umakanta Mishra.

Mishra said, "H1N1 virus spreads in cold conditions.The maximum temperature in the district is already hovering between 33 and 35 degree Celsius."

Recently, a 56-year-old woman from Aska Road died of swine flu at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

She had travelled to north India before falling sick.

"Though she belongs to Berhampur, she did not stay in the town. So there is no reason to worry," said health officer of Berhampur Municipal Corporation S K Das.

Health department has taken several preventive steps and advised people to go the nearest hospital, if they suspect any symptoms of the disease.

PTI