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If you are going to India, wear a mask
Health authorities have instructed tour operators organising pilgrimages to India to advise their elderly clients to take necessary precautions against the A(H1N1) epidemic — also called Indian swine flu – which has killed about 2,000 people while about 31,000 have fallen victim. The Health Ministry has warned especially the elderly, mothers-to-be and those with chronic illnesses to take precautions if they are going to India. They have been advised to use surgical masks and keep tissues or handkerchiefs in hand, use hand sanitizers and avoid large gatherings.
“This strain of influenza virus H1N1 is not new to Sri Lanka, as we experienced an outbreak in 2009. However, it can spread like seasonal flu and risk groups are highly vulnerable,” said the Health Ministry’s Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Paba Palihawadane. She said tourists, businessmen and students coming from India were possible carriers and Sri Lankans traveling to India risked the possibility of catching the virus.
According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), 229,674 Indians visited the country in 2013. India’s Ministry of Tourism states 262,345 Sri Lankans have travelled to India year 2013. Dr. N. Adikaram, Medical Officer attached to Bandaranaike International Airport health office said India-bound tourists or pilgrims were being advised on prevention measures.
A spokesperson for Gabo Travels which organises pilgrim tours to India said all pilgrims were advised to take preventive measures and wear masks. “There is likely to be an increase of Sri Lankan tourists and pilgrims travelling to India next month. Those traveling to Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan are being told to strictly follow safety precautions,” she said.
Deaths and cases have been reported from all parts of India, including 13 cases from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.