Tonga on alert for swine flu [1]
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - 11:29. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 11:39.
Tonga's Ministry of Health is not taking any chances of a swine influenza outbreak in Tonga, and has begun screening international visitors arriving at Fua'amotu International Airport.
Tonga is taking the takes the steps to comply with the International Health Regulations and in the interest of safeguarding Tongans from the swine influenza, reported to have originated in Mexico.
The Director of Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola confirmed that health officials had set up a health desk at the airport to conduct the surveillance of international arrivals ensuring they fill up a health form.
He said those who are spotted to have coughs or colds are advised to go straight home and health officials will visit them for a check up.
So far no one has been suspected of carrying in the swine influenza.
Dr 'Akau'ola said they are handing out information leaflets to arrivals and he stressed that it advises them on the symptoms of the flu such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough and fever and to seek medical attention.
He said that everyone can practice infection control methods like good hygiene of washing hands thoroughly on a regular basis and covering up when coughing.
"The important message here is that people are informed about the symptoms of the flu and advice is given," he added.
Although Tonga does not have any suspected swine flu cases at this stage, the Ministry of Health will remain alert in accordance to the World Health Organisation who on April 29 raised the level of the iinfluenza alert from phase 4 to 5.
Stocks of Tamiflu are held at Vaiola Hospital for cases of suspected Swine Influenza.
Swine flu
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs.
Siale said it is rare for the disease to jump from pigs to humans but it has done so and now it is contagious and has spread from person to person.