Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a)        the current status of H1N1 virus/influenza in the country; and

(b)        the steps taken by Government for detection, cure and prevention of the spread of H1N1? 

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)        As on 30th June, 2009 there are 109 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1[swine]. All these are travel related cases being brought into India by passengers coming from affected countries, except for nine, which are secondary cases reported in the immediate family contacts. These nine cases are geographically scattered. All the cases have been detected early, put on treatment and cured. Out of these, 70 have been discharged as on 30th June, 2009. Timely institution of public health measures have prevented community spread so far.

(a)    Government of India took a series of actions. A comprehensive plan including guidelines and standard operating procedures were put in place. Travel advisory was issued to defer non essential travel to the affected countries. Entry screening of passengers started at 22 international airports and five international checkpoints Community surveillance to detect clusters of influenza like illness is being done through Integrated Disease Surveillance Project. National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi and National Institute of Virology, Pune are testing clinical samples. Sixteen additional laboratories have also started testing. There is adequate quantity of Oseltamivir, the drugs and protective equipments. License has been issued to three Indian manufacturers for importing seed virus to manufacture flu vaccine. Short term media plan has been implemented. Travel advisory, do’s and don’ts and other pertinent information has been widely published to alley fear and avoid panic. Media is kept informed on daily basis.The pandemic preparedness and response calls for actions in sectors beyond health. National Disaster Management Authority has issued guidelines for such actions.

All States have been requested to gear up the State machinery and strengthen isolation facilities including critical care facilities at district level.

Government is fully geared up to deal with the situation.