State seeks US help in controlling swine flu

Hyderabad,  Sept 18 :

 It is four months since the gravity of the Swine Flu outbreak that started in Mexico  has rocked  the state of  Andhra Pradesh in the  past  four weeks.  In the last  two weeks itself  the death  toll in the  state  reached  23  and is likely  to  go up day by day.

In view of  rapid spread of the  virus  flu  in the  state,  the Government  of Andhra Pradesh   is seeking the   assistance of the American health officials  to hold a check on the  spread of  Swine Flu.

In this connection,  Health Minister Danam Nagender   met  American  health officials  in   Hyderabad on Friday, who arte on a visit to the city, and held  discussions  with them.  He  sought  the  assistance of the United  States  in controlling the   virus  and  also  aid  in the  form  of medicines. The  latest   news  that  the  US will share 10 per cent of its H1N1 vaccine supply with other countries to combat the global spread of the pandemic, as announced by President Barack Obama on Thursday is  a shot in the  arm  for the Government  of  AP  to press for the medical aid from  US.

The White House  further added  that the  US vaccines would be made available to countries through the World Health Organization (WHO), recognising that "diseases know no borders, and the health of the American people is inseparable from the health of people around the world," As Andhra Pradesh was affected by the Swine Flu for the  first time, the  authorities  did not know  the  possible magnitude and severity of the  disease. 

Seeking to allay fears of the common man about the disease,  the  Government  authorities  have  framed  some  guidelines and  are constantly  reviewing   the situation. According to health experts  hand-washing offers the best defense _ while the masks probably do little to stop the virus from spreading. Masks are now advised only for health care workers and people who are already infected.