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H1N1: Temperature rise comes as a blessing

Last Updated 06 March 2015, 18:22 IST

As the scare over H1N1 fever subsides in the district, Health and Family Welfare department officials are confident that the viral disease is under control in the district. The fever has claimed two lives in the district so far.

Officials say that measures such as immediate screening of suspected patients, and treatment had controlled the spread of the disease. Early onset of summer has also come as a blessing in disguise for the department, as the virulence of the microorganism decreases when temperatures hover above 25 degree Celsius. The officials have also noted that the percentage of fatality among patients suffering from H1N1 is also on a decline.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr H T Puttaswamy, District Health Officer said that, while about 10-12 cases were being reported everyday in the month of January (which included cases from Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts), only one or two suspected cases were being reported since the past few days.

“One of the main reasons for the decrease is the rise in temperatures. Virulence of H1N1 is dependent on temperature with H1N1 being more deadly in colder temperatures. Rising temperatures act as a natural vaccine against the disease,” he said.

With decreased virulence, it is unlikely that the fever would aggravate among persons who are infected. Temperature ensures that the infection is only mild and will ensure resistance against H1N1 among those infected, he said.

Suspected cases

Dr D G Nagaraj, District Surveillance Officer said that a total of 46 suspected cases have been reported in the district so far, with two persons from the disease succumbing to the disease. Of the suspected cases, only 14 were found positive. Apart from the two, others have been discharged, he said. Of the 14, only one was a paediatric disease and the child had recovered.

“Currently, the department is monitoring 14 patients, suspected of H1N1. Daily reporting of the number of cases are being done, which shows that the disease is declining,” he said. Commenting on the fatality rate of the disease, he said that it was less fatal than in 2009-10, where a higher percentage of patients who has tested positive had succumbed to the disease.

“It is also probable that community resistance against the disease has also improved, controlling the disease,” he added.

Medicine

Puttaswamy said that despite the reduction in the number of cases, the district was maintaining a stock of TamiFlu tablets. “Since January, about 2,800 tablets have been distributed in the district. "We have requested for 2,000 more. Apart from it, tablets are also available in private hospitals,” he said.

On TamiFlu syrup for children, he said that the syrup was not being manufactured. "The children are prescribed the tablet based on their body weight," he added.

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(Published 06 March 2015, 18:22 IST)

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