In a release today, Dr Pongener said that till March 2, four persons tested positive out of 16 samples sent to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dibrugarh. All these cases were imported from other States, he added. Even as all cases were imported from outside, the virus has entered Nagaland and it is here to stay and cause sporadic and seasonal outbreaks in future, he added.
The State Health Department has advised all to take all precautionary measures against respiratory diseases, especially exposure to dust, in view of the arrival of the dry windy season.
Dr Pongener said the ICMR Laboratory in Dibrugarh, notified by the Centre for the North East region, has advised the State Health Department to screen patients by following the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) guidelines of Centre prior to collection and dispatch of samples.
He said all district hospitals have been instructed to follow the same criteria of screening and added that treatment with capsule Oseltamivir for confirmed H1N1 patients is available with the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare.
Referring to the Centre’s guideline that vaccine should be given to high risk people, such as health personnel, chronic asthmatic patients, immune-compromised cases, etc., Dr Pongener said the State government is, therefore contemplating vaccination to its health personnel.
Meanwhile, the State Health Department said epidemiological and behavioural pattern suggest that the direction of the epidemic in Nagaland is not so alarming at this juncture because of high level of commitment from the government and with awareness level among people getting better. However, more thrust should be given by all stakeholders in order to control the situation, it stated.
The department has advised all to avoid unnecessary travel outside, observe safety habits, prevent spread to others, avoid crowded places, seek timely medical advice, eat nutritious food and get plenty of sleep and rest. At the same time, the department also urged everyone not to panic or spread rumours, but remain cautious and cooperate at all levels.