Measures taken up against swine flu ahead of Kumbh Mela

STAFF WRITER 11:30 HRS IST

Dehradun, Dec 13 (PTI) With a large congregation of people expected during the Mahakumbh Mela, the Uttarakhand government has geared up its health machinery to face the challenge posed by swine flu.

Nine persons have already fallen prey to the deadly disease and the government fears that it may become more contagious when the mercury dips further in January and February.

The over three-month Mela will begin from January 14.

"The cold weather conditions during the months of January and February could pose a serious challenge before the health authorities," said Pankaj Jain, the nodal officer for swine flu in the state.

The entire Mahakumbh area, which spreads over Haridwar along with some parts of Rishikesh along the Ganga, has been divided into 31 sectors and one hospital is being set up in each of the sector. Each sector would be supervised by three doctors, Jain said.