Goa issues swine flu advisory after two suspect cases

Panaji, Jan 23 (IANS) Two days after the Goa health minister officially revealed the presence of suspected swine flu-afflicted patients in the state, health authorities on Friday issued an advisory asking people to take basic precautions against the infection.

"People are requested to cover the mouth and nose with handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap and water before and after touching nose, eyes or mouth, try to avoid visiting crowded places, stay more than an arm’s length (two metres) from people afflicted with flu like symptoms," says the advisory, which has also cautioned people against spitting in public.

Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Francis D’Souza said Wednesday two people suspected of suffering from the dreaded swine flu caused by H1N1 virus have been detected in Goa.

While one has been treated and allowed to leave the state, the other, who was reported to have arrived from Hong Kong, was still being treated in a private hospital, D’Souza said.