Hyderabad: Three staff nurses and a doctor at the Mahbubnagar district hospital have contracted swine flu, creating a panic among health officers in the districts.

The numbers are not being shown in the official register being maintained at the Institute of Preventive Medicine as health officers fear a backlash.

A senior health officer said, “Health officers are seeking information from the nodal centre to understand the preventive measures that must be followed by health personnel while treating swine flu patients.”

Read: Swine flu cases may increase in Hyderabad

The nodal centre, located at the Gandhi Hospital here, says that the use of face masks, hand gloves and frequent washing of hands is very important for those who are in close contact with the patients.

The centre suggests regular training sessions so that the para-medical staff is well versed with the preventive measures. Even district medical health officers must not visit the wards without masks and gloves.

Dr K. Narsimulu, nodal officer, said: “It is very important that medical personnel must take utmost care while treating patients. There is a need to have training sessions on a weekly basis to ensure that it is followed.”

With the number of swine flu cases increasing, treating them without precautions can lead to transmission of the virus.

State health minister Dr T. Rajaiah had stated in November that all paramedical staff and doctors would be vaccinated against swine flu, but no steps have been taken up so far.