Rise in H1N1 cases: Patients need not panic, says DHO

Although the number of H1N1 positive cases is on the rise this year and two deaths have been reported in Dakshina Kannada district so far, DHO Dr Ramakrishna Rao said that the patients need not panic.

Briefing mediapersons here on Tuesday, he said that throat swab samples have been collected from 752 suspected patients and 200 samples were tested positive for H1N1 since January till date.

District surveillance officer Dr Rajesh said that, of the 384 samples of patients who came for treatment to Mangaluru from outside Dakshina Kannada, 82 samples tested positive and three deaths were reported. The throat swab samples collected have been sent to Manipal Centre for Virus Research for confirmation.

Seven positive H1N1 cases were reported in 2016 out of the 53 samples collected. In 2015, 160 cases were reported out of the 500 samples collected.

Further, he said that it was in 2009 when the first outbreak of the disease was reported in India. “Only those with low immunity level are likely to catch the infection. People with symptoms of high fever, throat pain, head ache, cough have to be alert and need to get tested if the symptoms worsen. Some other symptoms are respiratory distress, vomiting, diarrhoea and increasing fatigue. Senior citizens, pregnant women, children and immuno-compromised patients should be careful and cautious,” he explained.

The surveillance officer said there is a need to take precautions and maintain hygiene to keep the infection away. “H1N1, like any other flu, spreads from one person to another. People should strictly follow basic hygiene measures like covering their noses and mouths while coughing, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching the nose, eyes, and keep a distance of at least 1 metre from people having symptoms,” he advised.

RCHO Dr Ashok said that, in the case of the death of a pregnant woman from Venoor, the health officials are carrying out survey both in Venur and Ganjimutt (her parental house), to take preventive measures to check the spread of influenza.

Dengue, malaria cases

He said that 59 people have been tested positive for dengue in Dakshina Kannada till date. This comprises 25 in Mangaluru, 9 in Bantwal, 10 in Puttur, 3 in Belthangady and 12 in Sullia taluks.

District vector-borne disease control officer Dr Arun said that there has been 40% decline in malaria in Dakshina Kannada since January. “A total of 1,416 malaria cases has been reported in the district since January. Last year, 2,477 cases were reported. Of the malaria cases in 2017, 163 patients suffered from Pf malaria while it was 350 cases last year. Malaria cases in urban areas during 2017 was 1,216,” the officer listed out.