CWG: Government advisory on swine flu, dengue to participants

NEW DELHI - The central government Friday issued a health advisory to the participants visiting Delhi for the Commonwealth Games stating that the “H1N1 influenza has now peaked in India”.

The advisory, issued by the ministry of health and family welfare, says that if the athletes find any symptoms of flu, they should consult the medical officer in the contingent. If required, they should also get the medical advice of the polyclinic in the competition venue or hotel.

If the advice of the doctor is to stay in the Games village, they should “use triple layered surgical mask and avoid close contact with others for a week”. If the symptoms aggravate, they should report to the nearest notified hospital in Delhi.

“Anyone who contracts H1N1 during the Games will be given free consultation, diagnosis and treatment,” the statement said.

The advisory carries a detailed Do’s and Dont’s list to prevent swine flu. The athletes have been asked not to shake hands or hug while greeting.

On dengue, the advisory says that the “seasonal trend of dengue indicates the spread of the disease starts in June and July and continues till October and November”.

The health ministry has advised athletes “to carry full sleeved clothes and mosquito repellents while travelling to India”.

It also advises athletes not to leave the doors and windows of their apartments open during their stay for the Games.

The 19th Commonwealth Games, the biggest ever sporting event to be hosted by India, will be held in Delhi from Oct 3-14.