KYRGYZSTAN: Swine flu preparedness measures under way
BISHKEK, 28 April 2009 (IRIN) - The authorities have activated plans to prevent the spread of swine flu, Tolon Isakov, a senior Health Ministry official, told IRIN in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.
“There are no grounds for panic in Kyrgyzstan related to the spread of swine flu,” said Isakov, adding that no cases of swine flu had been registered.
Disease control and surveillance units at the country’s major border crossing points, including Bishkek’s Manas international airport and the Torugart crossing on the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, have been informed of the plan: If people with swine flu-like symptoms are discovered they will be immediately quarantined, Isakov said.
He said specialists were preparing disinfection materials and special clothing for the anti-epidemic services. Epidemiologic laboratories had also been placed on alert.
Head of the Bishkek office of the World Health Organization (WHO) Oskon Moldokulov said: “No special actions have been taken by WHO in Kyrgyzstan” regarding swine flu preparations, and no special instructions had been received from WHO headquarters.
The Department for State Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, which comes under the Health Ministry, was coordinating contingency planning.
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