To contain swine flu, AP requests Centre for PPE in all flights

Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday requested the Centre to arrange Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for air passengers in order to check the spread of H1N1 virus.

Informing that all precautionary measures were taken up and the administration was fully geared up to prevent spread of the flu, Reddy said there is absolutely no need to panic.

"Strict instructions have been issued to all the airports as well as sea ports in the state for thoroughly examining every passenger with fever and other flu-like symptoms and the suspected cases were being re-checked," Reddy said at a review meet with senior health officials here.

The chief minister also ordered for making additional arrangements for 'quarantine' treatment of the patients.

Reddy also directed the minister for Medical Education Sudarshan Reddy and higher authorities of Medical and Health Department J Satyanarayana and LV Subrahmanyam to constantly keep in touch with the Centre for better coordination and continuously monitor the situation on hourly basis.

He asked them to ensure availability of required medicines and round-the-clock medical attention.

Subrahmanyam said that necessary arrangements were in place to examine and treat those detected with flu symptoms besides every passenger was being thoroughly checked.