KOLKATA: In the wake of the year’s first swine flu case , reported by The Times of India on Monday, the health department went into a huddle and sounded an alert. All health officials and hospitals across the city have been asked to look out for swine flu symptoms in patients and take precautionary measures . Screening will be stepped up, said director of health services Ajay Chakrabarty .

“We have discussed the situation in today’s meeting and steps are being taken. A vigil is already on. Now that the first case has been detected, we need to strengthen the vigil. The situation is under control,” said Chakrabarty.

Experts said that since this is the swine flu season, the first case should be taken seriously. “In 2016, we have had several deaths. Swine flu or H1N1 is an air-borne infection which spreads fast and easily. In a crowded city like Kolkata, number of cases could multiply in a matter of days,” warned AMRI Hospital consultant Debashish Saha.

He added that crowded places like schools, colleges, auditoria, public transport and shopping malls were likely places where the virus could spread. “Children should be made to wear masks to schools. You can’t avoid every public place so it’s necessary to be cautious,” said Saha.

The state had 130 swine flu cases in 2009 during a major outbreak around the country. More than 10 cases were reported in 2015. More than a hundred cases were reported from Bengal last year.

Masks were not a fool-proof protection unless it was a M95 mask, pointed out consultant Arindam Biswas. “Since swine flu is a droplet infection, it’s difficult to contain. So, diagnosis should happen and treatment begin as early as possible,” said Biswas.

While some Saha felt that preventive treatment may begin even before diagnosis, Biswas differed. “The principal drug for swine flu is Tamiflu and it should be used only after conformation of the virus’ presence,” said Biswas. Saha, on the other hand, pointed out that those who have had exposure to swine flu patients need to be careful.

