KATHMANDU: The special health desk at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) today quarantined a UAE national, who entered Nepal via India, over fears that she has been infected with the Swine Flu virus A (H1N1), the global pandemic. This is the second suspected case of deadly flu in the country since the disease was detected in Mexico last month.

“It is too early to say whether the woman has contracted the virus. However, she has tested positive for Influenza A, a common symptom of swine flu. It may take a couple of days to ascertain the details,” said Dr Gajananda P Bhandari, epidemiologist and coordinator of the special health desk. The patient has been quarantined in Teku Hospital. According to Dr Bhandari, a Malaysian national was quarantined at the hospital yesterday. He was released today after he tested negative for the virus. Dr Basudev Pandey said that the UAE national was undergoing medical examinations. He urged the public not to panic since the final results were still awaited.

Health officials have intensified preventive measures at TIA and on the Nepal-Tibet border. The Chinese health ministry today released 23 foreigners, including an Italian woman, who had entered Tibet via Nepal, after the tests revealed that they were all suffering from common cold. The Italian arrived in Nepal on May 12. She entered Tibet by a land route on Saturday and was quarantined two days later for showing symptoms of Influenza A.

China on high alert at border point

Sindhupalchowk: Chinese authorities have sounded high alert at Nepal-China border in Tatopani. Both Nepalis and foreigners are being allowed to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) by wearing protective masks.

An infrared thermometer has been kept at the Immigration Department in Khasa, the border town in the Chinese territory. Dr Rajendra Panta, chief, District Health Office, said on Wednesday that a team of doctors would be in Tatopani on Thursday. Around 150 people cross over to TAR on a daily basis during this time of the year.

A similar number visits Tatopani as well. — HNS