India on Friday issued health advisory for participants and visitors of Commonwealth Games 2010 on H1N1 influenza and dengue. The advisory is related to do’s and don’t for both the participants and visitors while they are in India.
However, the advisory, issued by the health and family welfare ministry maintained that the influenza activity has now “peaked” in India and is showing “a declining trend” therefore, it ceases to be a public health emergency of international concern.
Noting that the World Health Organisation(WHO) had announced that H1N1 influenza pandemic has moved into post-pandemic stage while localised outbreaks of various magnitude are likely to continue, the advisory said anyone who contracts pandemic flu during the Games will be given access, free of charge, to consultation, diagnosis and treatment in government-notified health facilities. The advisory asked the visitors to ascertain their vaccination status and carry the records, though H1N1 vaccination is not made mandatory.
Advising participants and visitors to look for symptoms, it said “If suffering from fever while on flight, contact on arrival the help desk at the Delhi International Airport for assistance.”
The advisory also asked the visitors to take precautions like covering of mouth and nose during coughing or sneezing, washing of hands with soap, avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth and avoiding crowded places.
On dengue, the advisory said that about 40 per cent of the world’s population live in areas where there is a risk of dengue transmission. Besides carrying full-sleeve clothes, the advisory asked the visitors to bring mosquito repellent creams, oils, mats or coils.
The advisory has asked visitors to report to nearest identified health facility if symptoms aggravate.