Saturday, January 8 2005 09:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Cases of measles, chicken pox and diarrhoea have been reported from some Tsunami-hit areas and the Government is taking all steps to prevent outbreak of epidemics and provide treatment, a top official said yesterday (Jan 7, 2005).

Asserting that there has been no reports of any epidemic, Health Secretary P K Hota said 28 cases of measles -15 in Tamil Nadu and 13 in Andamans - have been detected besides some cases of chicken pox and diarrhoea in the affected regions.

"Such cases could have been detected during normal time but we are taking no chances. We are carrying out vaccination," the Health Secretary told reporters, adding, "We are on high alert and we are clear that this is not the time to be complacent."

Considering the possibility of disease outbreaks in the region hit by tsunami waves, WHO (World Health Organisation) was on high alert and has asked other UN health partners to help improve hygienic conditions.

"It is not yet the aftermath stage of disaster. Even though the flood has receded, disease could still affect millions of people in the region," a WHO release quoted its Regional Director for South-East Asia Region, Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, as having said.

A two-month-long 'medical shield' is being put in place by the Centre in the tsunami- hit regions, especially the Island territories, Hota said.

As many as 50 doctors and an equal number of paramedics would be posted for the next two months in the hard-hit areas as part of a "long haul exercise" to "stand by, assist and take care" of the needy, the Health Secretary said.