The war on viral infections, and swine flu in particular (“ >Sunday Anchor ”, Feb.8) cannot be won unless its underlying causes are eliminated. The rearing of pigs within city limits should be banned and strict measures should be taken to prevent pigs from getting into residential areas. Garbage should be collected regularly and breeding grounds for mosquitoes destroyed. Knee-jerk reactions whenever an epidemic breaks out are not enough. The menace of pigs, garbage and mosquitoes is what needs to be addressed on a war-footing. Unless the causative factors behind viral attacks are broken, more virulent forms are bound to appear.
Dudley Surrao,
Secunderabad
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The new viral storm raging cross the country and that has claimed 275 lives is alarming but appears to be evoking only a passive response from the government. Why is the government so intent on citing statistics rather than coming up with a plan to deal with the spread of swine flu? Is there any dissemination of information on the use of imported medicines or even a target to keep the disease under control? The government has much to do to create awareness about the virus and the importance of vaccination. It can also do much to reduce the costs of vaccination and also make it mandatory in all educational institutions.
Raviteja Vangara,
Warangal
