Expert raises fresh alarm on swine flu pandemic

FE Team | Published: August 05, 2009 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

FE Report
A top epidemiologist Tuesday raised fresh alarm about the potential spread of swine flu, renamed Pandemic H1N1 2009, as Bangladesh experienced a record common influenza infection.
"This year, we had an unusually high rate of 57 per cent infection of H3 or common flu," director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Prof Mahmudur Rahman said.
"The infection of common influenza peaks during July-August period. And last month, we had 30 per cent influenza contamination rate. So, it calls for extra caution," Prof Rahman added.
A swine flu case is defined as a person with an acute febrile respiratory ailment with the spectrum of disease from influenza-like illness to pneumonia. Fever of over 38 degree Celsius, cough, runny nose and pneumonia are the leading symptoms of the flu infection.
Prof Rahman's warning came as Bangladesh reported two new confirmed cases of swine flu Tuesday, bringing the total number to 32.
"Of the total, 28 have been cured. Four are now under treatment," he told reporters at a workshop in the city, organised by the UNICEF.
The IECDR head said that it was a concern for Bangladesh as India reported its first death linked to the virus that switched over to human bodies, originally limited to pig population.
An estimated half a million Bangladeshis travel to neighbouring India each year, making Bangladesh vulnerable to the possible flu spread.
Adding to that, the flu has taken a serious turn in the tourism-dependent economy of Thailand, causing at least 65 deaths surging outbreaks in regional countries including Thailand, with India reporting its first death.
He, however, said precaution and awareness among the public would help delay the outbreak of the pandemic until the availability of vaccines.
As of Monday, 32 cases were confirmed in Bangladesh and all patients except one were treated at home, health officials said.
Worldwide, the pandemic has already spread out to as many as 161 countries and flu-linked deaths reached at 816, while 1.34,503 are confirmed to have contracted the flu.
Prof Rahman said the pandemic can take an alarming turn if it crosses the species barrier, even though there is a natural barrier to cross-species contamination.
Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and close contact of people, he said, advising people to avoid large gathering.
Since children and youths are vulnerable to infection, Prof Rahman said children with symptoms of even common influenza should not be allowed to attend schools.
Influenza A (H1N1) in humans is mostly contagious during the first five days of the illness, he said, adding that hand-washing would kill the virus.
Prof Rahman also gave a description of the government's steps to prevent the mass outbreak of the disease in Bangladesh.
He said health officials have already screened out more than 100,000 passengers at the Zia International Airport, the country's main gateway by air.
"Each day, over 4000 incoming passengers are screened at ZIA," he told newsmen.
Measures are being taken to distribute health cards inside the aircraft, but Mr Rahman alleged that airlines are not "fully cooperating" with the government agencies involved in the process of screening.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has characterised the pandemic step as the phase-6 and Prof Rahman said this designation indicates that "a global pandemic is underway."