The local governments' ignorance of and indifference to swine flu may invite risks that might otherwise be warded off, says an article on www.zjol.com.cn. Excerpts:

As a major pig-raising country that imports and exports large quantities of pork and is in close contact with the world, China should be well prepared with preventive action against the new swine flu virus.

In the face of this sweeping swine flu, people worry that the grassroots authorities may not take enough measures to guard against it.

Fortunately, the central government departments involved have already paid great attention to swine flu and experts are busy studying the virus.

But local governments seem to have taken few precautionary measures to fend off this flu. Some of the local governments are probably now in the process of studying the measures to be implemented. But some may still be turning a blind eye to the virus. What we should do now is to remind these unprepared local governments to understand the seriousness of this flu and urge them to be alert.

We want every one of us to be prepared for swine flu because the symptoms of swine flu are somewhat similar to those of common flu, such as fever, cough, sore eyes and fatigue. If we drop our guard against this special flu, we may treat it as a common flu.

The repeated explanation of swine flu's symptoms to the public allows every one of us to strengthen the safeguards - wash more hands, drink more water, avoid crowded places, wear masks and send suspicious cases to hospital. The preparedness of being on guard against swine flu will keep it at bay.

At this time, the challenge posed by swine flu must be addressed in the most thorough manner. This is that time of the year when, with summer approaching, the temperature rises and people would be traveling on a massive scale during the May Day weekend.

It is imperative that measures in public places are stepped up for prevention of swine flu. But it will not be possible to do so without the help of local authorities, and it is their attitude towards the virus that will decide if preventive measures are implemented in public places.

(China Daily May 4, 2009)