Editorial
Swine flu alert up
Roll up sleeves to meet the challenge
THE latest about swine flu infection in Bangladesh is that the number of reported cases has gone up to 87. Of that number, 32 have been fully cured and the remainder receiving follow-up treatment. The health ministry has been closely monitoring the situation and the health minister at this point in time is apprehending that the situation might worsen. Reports from neighbouring India speak of the affliction widening; and an alert declared in the Indian state of West Bengal, albeit a cause of concern for us.
One worrisome dimension of the swine flu situation is that it's at level-2 now inasmuch as several cases have been detected in the community via cluster identification. The chances of exposure are greater there as the latter is internal, introverted. Of course, we are aware of the health screening programmes being conducted at 16 entry points to the country. But are the 16 points of surveillance enough of a safeguard against the spread of the disease? We have to be, however, realistic in our perception of the danger in a globalised world where viral incidence knows no border. We have to bear this in mind and prepare accordingly.
So far, the health authorities and the specialised hospitals have tackled the situation well. They are also constantly assuring the people of sufficient availability of the anti-viral vaccine. We also hear of the five major hospitals in Dhaka city setting up pandemic influenza management committees and training their members up in the ways of managing the malady. The training regime should now be speedily taken to 95 urban primary healthcare centres. There is, of course, the need for encompassing private hospitals, clinics and the semi-urban centres.
It is now for the people to come forward to inform the health professionals with any symptom of flu they have contacted, besides, of course, maintaining personal hygiene meticulously.
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