AThe current
pandemic of influenza-A (H1N1) imposes extra concerns
regarding safe management of Hajj 2009. The following
guidelines have been developed in the light of IHR 2005
for the prevention and control of Influenza-A (H1N1) infection
amongst returning pilgrims (hujjaj-e-kiram) entering the
country through different ports.
Screening and Quarantine
Screening for H1N1 at ports of entry into Pakistan should be maintained in order to limit its spread, using current measures including temperature monitoring and quarantine of imported cases in the country.
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Collection of properly filled Health Declaration Card from all pilgrims.
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All pilgrims to pass through a scanning device (thermal scanners if available) to check for raised temperature.
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Identification
of suspected cases according to the case definition
(Annexed-I).
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Air port health staff should examine suspected cases and diagnose those requiring quarantine.
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An isolation facility be identified in designated tertiary care hospital (to a capacity of 20 - 50 persons) for the treatment at designated centers.
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Testing of suspected human sample (Throat swab) should be considered according to the recommended protocol. The sample may be transported to the National Institute of Health, Islamabad preserved in Viral Transport Media (VTM) along with properly filled proforma (patient profile).
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Ensuring Supplies
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All
protective gears including alcohol hand rub, facemasks,
gowns, gloves and tissue papers should be made widely
available in all sites of mass gathering at airport
terminals of returning pilgrims for usage by health
care providers.
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For suspected ILI patients in the primary health care
setting facemasks and hand gel should be made available.
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Line list of Patients
Patient’s profile i.e., name age, sex, complete address, contact number, date, flight number, arrival place, destination, time, date of onset of symptoms, hospitalization history, treatment details etc (Annexed-II) are to be strictly followed for each suspected patient and daily faxed to National Institute of Health Islamabad.
Compiled
by: Epidemic Investigation Cell (EIC), Public
Health Laboratories Division (PHLD)
National
Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad
Tel:
051-9255237, Fax: 051-9255575
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