Pokhrelis precautious about pandemic

Himalayan News Service

POKHARA: As swine flu spread panic in Pokhara, the local residents have started taking all precautions.

People have stopped shaking hands with each other and have started wearing masks. District Public Health Office Kaski has issued a red alert for influenza A (HIN1).

Public Health Chief Mahendra Dhwoj Adhikari said campaigns would be launched to make people aware about the disease. Health workers have urged locals to contact health institutions if anyone showed symptoms of high fever, chest pain, severe cough and difficulty in breathing.

As a precaution, people have been asked to wear mask, avoid shaking hands, keep a metre's distance from another, wash hands with soap water, refrain from walking in the open air and avoid contact with a suspected patient of swine flu. Medical Superintendent of Western Regional Hospital Dr Buddhi Bahadur Thapa said the hospital has braced itself for treating swine flu patients. "We have arranged for rapid treatment for those infected with the disease," he informed.

As people suddenly started buying masks, their demand has shot up in the market. Nirakar Dhakal, who sells masks on New Road, said he was selling 25 of them each day.

Earlier, swine flu appeared in three neighbouring districts - Parbat, Baglung and Myagdi. People here have been cautious when 15 children tested positive for the disease yesterday.