Stringent screening measures has been put in place, at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, as a precautionary measure to prevent the ‘swine flu’ virus entering the country, officials said yesterday
An Airport and Aviation Services spokesman said that they have taken a number of steps to prevent the entry of the virus, including screening visitors from countries where the outbreak has been reported.
The screening would be done by Health Ministry officials, in line with the World Health Organization recommendations, they added.
According to Aviation sources travellers from countries such as Mexico, United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Newzealand, Canada and other affected countries would be subjected to a special screening with possible plans to isolate any identified positive cases.
Any positive identification would be directed to relevant hospitals in a secure environment, they added. Aviation authorities have also taken steps to conduct awareness programs for Air Port employees regarding the risk factors involved. Key developments on swine flu outbreaks
Deaths: 168 in Mexico, 12 confirmed as swine flu. One confirmed in U.S., a 23-month-old boy from Mexico who died in Texas. Sick: 2,955 suspected and 300 confirmed in Mexico. Demand:Two leading U.S. makers of respiratory masks ramp up production to meet heavy demand from pharmacies.
Rasika Somarathna
source:Dailynews.lk