Fiji is now in Phase 4 of the preparedness for the Swine Flu Virus and is at risk as any other country.
Doctor Jacob Kool the WHO representative in the country said Fiji with its state of art laboratory at Mataika House, is the most prepared country in the Pacific, however nothing is to be taken lightly.
He adds that looking at the outbreak of Avian Flu in 2004, Fiji has always been prepared for an outbreak but stresses that this time around we have entered into Phase 4.
According to Doctor Kool, Phase 4 is the stand where stakeholders now look at preventative measures for human to human transmission.
Director for DISMAC, Joeli Cawaki after a joint stakeholders workshop with Immigration, Tourism, Ministry of Health and even Customs, reveals that a taskforce has been mobilised to all ports of entry to assist in the screening of flights and imports into the country.
Meanwhile, the Advisor for Animal Health and Production at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Dr Ken Cokanasiga said the name given to the deadly virus, Swine Flu is misleading.
He said the pig industry could be the victim of the current outbreak.
Dr Cokanasiga said the virus itself has not been found in pigs todate and the influenza is made up of genetic materials derived from influenza viruses found in birds, humans and pigs which is why the name is not right.
He said the SPC and WHO are working closely with the other countries in the region, preparing countries for possible incursions of the disease and to provide up to date and technical advice.
Fiji in Phase 4 of Swine Flu Virus
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