Bhubaneswar, Aug. 6: The state government today issued a guideline asking all major private hospitals in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to be prepared to treat swine flu patients.

Swine flu is emerging as a major threat in the state.

As many as 34 positive cases have been found out of 117 blood samples. One patient has died of the disease.

Worried over the rising number of suspected swine flu cases, the state government today reviewed its preparedness to tackle the disease.

The state asked private hospitals to have a separate screening facility or isolation ward along with ventilator support for management of HIN1 cases.

The facility should be manned by trained staff with proper infection control precaution. There must be some additional beds to meet the emergency situation, the guideline said.

It also asked the private hospitals to go for vaccinations against seasonal flu H1N1, particularly for health workers such as doctors, staff nurses, support staff and the crew of ambulances directly involved in management of patients following guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the government of India.

It was also mentioned that the details and status of all the patients admitted and undergoing treatment should be submitted to the director of public health on a daily basis.

The government also asked the private hospitals to follow all relevant guidelines, including clinical management protocol and infection control guidelines, categorisation of influenza, laboratory sample collection procedure, guidelines for providing homecare and advisory for vaccination.

The department has also decided to launch a massive awareness programme on how to avoid swine flu.

People have been asked to avoid crowded places particularly while suffering from cold. In case of suffering soar throat, they should seek medical advice.