DERGAON, March 13 � �Though cases of H1N1 virus infection have been increasing in the neighbouring Jorhat district, no such case has been detected in Golaghat district. All measures for awareness about the disease have been taken by the Health Department in the district,� Golaghat Joint Director of Health Services Dr Abani Barthakur told this correspondent.
�As there are three modes of spread of the H1N1 virus, we should be aware of them. Among them, the contact with infected birds and pigs as well as human beings should be checked,� the Joint Director added.
Dr Barthakur denied the usefulness of ordinary masks in avoiding the disease. He said that medicated masks are needed for doctors and nurses associated with the treatment of infected persons. He pointed out that normal masks can only prevent dust and not the H1N1 virus.
The Joint Director also called for an end to the malpractice of selling masks at exorbitant prices in the name of checking swine flu. It is pertinent to mention that along with other parts of the State, masks are selling in paan shops here too.
Dr Gunuttam Bora, noted physician, told this correspondent that normal masks can only resist dust. The three-layered special medicated mask is used by doctors while dealing with patients who are infected by the H1N1 virus, he added.
