TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Even as swine flu cases in Goa went up to 12 by Wednesday evening, the government has said that taking the vaccine is not mandatory. Four new cases tested positive for the H1N1 virus. While three have already undergone treatment, the fourth is being treated at the Goa Medical College, Bambolim.
Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, State epidemiologist has said, “The government has not given a protocol asking for mandatory vaccination, as the World Health Organisation guidelines recommends it only for high risk people such as doctors and nurses.”
The all India death toll due to swine flu has crossed the 1,110 mark and upwards of 22,000, cases have been reported, amidst perfect climatic conditions for the virus. The GMC patient has been referred from the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Two of the three that received treatment were found to have travelled outside the State recently, but have received medication and are out of danger but still under observation.
Of the 60 samples sent to the National Disease Control Centre, New Delhi, since January 1, 2015, 12 have tested positive while reports on four cases are still awaited.
Dr Betodkar, confirmed that there were positive cases, adding the situation was under control as the Oseltamivir treatment is available at most private hospitals, district government hospitals, at the GMC, as well as at Chicalim and Ponda health centers.
