After reports of two women testing positive for swine flu, Meghalaya has been put on alert, said officials on Saturday.
Speaking to IANS, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Pravin Bakshi said, "A health alert has been sounded across the state to keep a close watch on the situation. Health officials have been directed to take preventive measures and provide proper treatment to patients".
Hospitals have been awarded with information, education and communication (IEC) materials to create awareness regarding swine flu, also known as influenza A (H1N1), said Bakshi.
According to reports, the Airport Authority of India officials in Guwahati International Airport, Shillong airport and officials from Meghalaya helicopter services have been alerted by the state government.
One of the patients had visited her sons in Pune and Chennai and it was only after her return to shillong that she was tested positive for the flu.
Another patient who has also been tested positive is a resident of Mumbai and is in Shillong to attend a Catholic convention.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease which infects the wind pipe (respiratory tract) of pigs and gets transmitted to human beings. It results in nasal secretions, cough, decreased appetite and restlessness.
