Goa has reportedly recorded it’s first swine flu death when a 45-year old male who returned from Hong Kong died. It must be said that this time the threat of the deadly disease spreading in the State is higher than the last time.
This is so because there is an outbreak of the viral disease in Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is understood that the death toll due to swine flu in Telangana has risen to 34. Even though authorities say the situation is nothing to worry about, things cannot be taken lightly as the virus is spread through air and hence the disease can spread more easily. Also, people coming from States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana etc should be screened for the disease.
As the person who died of swine flu had travelled from Hong Kong it seems absolutely necessary to test people who come to Goa from other countries by air. The airline staff should keep a watch on passengers having flu symptoms like sneezing, coughing and fever and report to the ground staff. The airport staff should then immediately send the passenger to the nearest government hospital for tests.
If this is not done, it is possible that the virus could have infected other people before the patient is isolated as patients are tested only when they show symptoms and develop complications.
Hence, tests should be carried out without delay if a person is suspected of harbouring the virus. Besides screening passengers, people should be made aware of the symptoms, complications, precautions to be taken and treatment in case of infection.
