Click to play videoNew Delhi: There is a major concern for schoolchildren and parents in Delhi and Pune. Twenty three students across six schools and counting in the Capital have been infected by the 2009 H1N1 virus or swine flu.
After Shri Ram School in Gurgaon and Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, the latest case is a Class IX student at upscale Vasant Valley school in South Delhi. While she is being treated, the school has asked her classmates and class teachers to stay home for a week, as a precaution.
"All the children and teachers of class IX have been asked to stay home. We are disinfecting teh school and have encouraged children to use tissues instead of handkerchiefs," said Principal, Vasant Valley, Arun Kapur.
In Pune, four schools are re-opening only at the beginning of August, as 23 students are down with the virus. The Pune Municipal corporation has asked their families to stay quarantined at home, in an attempt to contain the highly contagious virus and they are being told to report everyone they have been in contact with.
"Since this is monsoon season, kids likely to get flu," said Assistant Director (TB BCG) Dr R R Katti.
Meanwhile the Health Ministry is still not in favour of shutting down schools, but are advising schools and parents to take precautionary measures.
"There is no data to support closing schools yet. But students with symptoms must stay back home to prevent transmission," said Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, Vineet Chawdhary.
Health experts also warn that the second phase of the pandemic will be more severe, as temperatures drop after the monsoon. Remember to maintain good hygiene practices and visit your doctor if you have flu like symptoms.
(With inputs from Jemima Rohekar)
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