No handshakes, hugs for C'wealth Games athletes

With the national capital in the grip of H1N1 and dengue outbreaks, India asked the visiting sportspersons and officials to take every precaution if they show flu symptoms and reduce the chances of getting bitten by dengue-causing mosquito.

As frequent rain and an overflowing Yamuna created a large water puddle next to CWG village – ideal for breeding of Aedes ageypti mosquito – residents of the Games village have been advised not to open the doors and windows in the day so as to prevent mosquito entry.

They should wear full-sleeved clothes and use commercially available repellent during the day, says the travel advisory issued on Friday.
Before leaving for the games, they have been advised to stock mosquito repellent cream, oil, mat and coil along with sports gear.

Worries
Union health secretary Sujatha Rao last week said the deep water pool next to the CWG village is a cause of “little worry.”
Till Friday, there were 2,153 dengue cases in the capital with 5 deaths and 68 new cases reported since Thursday.

With the dengue threat looming large, residents of the games village have been advised not to take aspirin or ibuprofen. Moreover, they must not neglect any fever even after two weeks of return from Delhi.

As if dengue was not enough, a wave of H1N1 has engulfed the national capital. As many as 156 fresh cases with 6 deaths have been reported in the last one week (between September 6 and 12) taking the cumulative tally of H1N1 cases to 10,999 with 128 deaths since May, 2009.

In case anybody develops flu symptoms, avoid shaking hands and hugging. However, vaccination with H1N1 is not mandatory.
A help desk would be set up at Delhi international airport for anybody who develops the symptoms in flight.
DH News Service