Incidence of H1N1 on the rise in Belgaum

Latest report from Nimhans has confirmed three more H1N1 cases in the district. Last year, there were 45 confirmed cases of H1N1 and two died of the epidemic. This year, so far 73 people have been infected with H1N1 and seven have succumbed to the Flu. The number of people afflicted with the disease is on the rise, with 29 people being affected by the disease in the month of August alone, leading to a panic situation.

As many as 34 cases of H1N1 were reported from Belgaum taluk, while 10 cases have been reported from Gokak, five from Athani and two each from Bailahongal, Hukkeri and Ramdurg taluks and one case was reported from Soudatti taluk in the district, stated official sources.

As people migrate from Belgaum district to neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Goa is high the spread of the disease is very rapid, said officials in the Health Department.

Last year, the District Health Department had set up camps at the border to screen people entering the district, for H1N1. The move had helped in controlling the spread of the epidemic.

However, lack of such screening camps this time has only led to rise in the disease. Despite training being imparted to doctors, lab technicians and NGOs about tackling the epidemic, and awareness being created by distributing pamphlets, displaying posters, a lot needs to be desired, observed people in the district.

Minister for Health Sriramulu has declared that district health officers would be held responsible for any deaths due to H1N1. Ironically, the post of district health officer in Belgaum lies vacant, as the officer got retired a few weeks ago.

Woman succumbs

A woman succumbed to H1N1 influenza in Kongarahalli of Kollegal taluk in Chamarajnagar district on Friday. Sundaramma (46) was admitted to Mysore Mission Hospital on complaints of respiratory distress. The swab samples, however, have tested positive for H1N1, District Surveillance Officer Dr Mahadeva Naik said.