Swine flu scare after smooth landing

Interestingly,both had got through medical screening at the Pune international airport without any problems after landing by Lufthansa Airlines by Air India Express last night. It was only later that they went in voluntarily for check-ups following fever and other suspected swine flu symptoms. They have been isolated at the quarantine ward of the hospital.

As of now there is no confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in India. Dr D Barathe,the hospital’s medical superintendent,who examined the patients,said one was a 37-year-old businessman based at Senapati Bapat Road and had gone on work to Barcelona. The other was a 23-year-old IT professional who stays at Khadki and had gone on a personal trip to the US.

The businessman had no symptoms at the time his return flight arrived. However,on Monday morning,he complained of fever and throat irritation and went for a check-up at Jehangir Hospital. The doctors there referred him to Naidu Hospital.

The IT professional,too,had no symptoms when he returned last night. On Monday morning he volunteered to get himself examined as he had fever and throat irritation.

Both have been kept in isolation at Ward 7 at Naidu Hospital. The IT engineer did not have relatives with him but the businessman’s friends were at the ward and were given strict instructions to wear masks while visiting him.

Barathe,PMC officials and Dr S B Nadoni,regional director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare,were waiting for a team from NIV and Sassoon Hospital on Monday morning to collect swabs. The team collected the samples in the afternoon and will give their report in 24 hours.

Health department officials said 531 passengers have been screened at the airport since May 3. However,nobody has so far been isolated at the airport for such symptoms in Pune.