Preventative measures are being taken in Laos to keep the country clear of the latest outbreak of swine flu. If you are heading to Laos in the near future, then be prepared to be standing at a thermal imagine machine at Wattay International Airport.
Please see the complete article from Vientiane Times Newspaper for more details.
Swine flu checks planned at Vientiane airport
The Ministry of Health announced yesterday it would soon install a thermal imaging machine at Wattay International Airport to check passengers’ body temperature in a bid to detect the presence of swine flu.
The move aims to prevent swine flu entering Laos after an outbreak in Mexico City is thought to have caused 152 deaths.
Deputy Health Minister Prof. Dr Eksavang Vongvichit addressed a press conference yesterday after meeting with World Health Organisation (WHO) representatives.
“Tomorrow, we will have another meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office to specifically discuss the swine flu situation and measures to respond to the situation, including proposed funding arrangements,” he said.
“We will install the machine at Wattay first before considering other areas.”
Prof. Dr Eksavang confirmed no cases of swine flu had been reported in Laos but cautioned there was a need to take preventative measures.
“Members of the public should cooperate with us by following hygiene guidelines and consulting a doctor if they have a fever, cough, sore throat, body pains and headache.”
He suggested visitors from the US and Mexico should contact the National Avian Human Influenza Coordination Office on telephone nos. 166 and 021 350209 if they have these symptoms.
The WHO said 75 human cases of swine influenza had been confirmed by laboratories in Mexico, the US, Canada, the UK and Spain, with suspected cases under investigation elsewhere.
The virus is thought to have been transmitted from human to human, although the extent and sustainability of this transmission is unclear.
Recognising the potential of a swine influenza pandemic, the WHO has raised its alert level to Phase 4.
At present there are no suspected human cases of swine influenza in Laos. However, measures are in place to cope with any developing situation.
An intensive surveillance system is being put in place focusing on influenza like-illness and acute respiratory illness at health facilities, according to a joint WHO/Ministry press release.
Laos has prepared stockpiles of various resources, including medication to treat viral illness.
WHO epidemiologist Ms Reiko Tsuyuoka said the organisation remained uncertain about the nature and characteristics of the virus.
“It’s difficult to have a concrete answer. The investigation is ongoing…we don’t know why it has such a high morbidity…Maybe in a couple of weeks’ time it will be more clear,” she said.
“The symptoms of swine influenza are not that different from ordinary human influenza. In Mexico, the symptoms are very severe in those who have been affected at an early stage.”
By Somsack Pongkhao
April 29, 2009
Vientiane Times
