Fear of H1N1 outbreak puts Kerala authorities on alert

Thiruvananthapuram: The influenza A (H1N1) virus which took the lives of hundreds of people across the country in 2009 is all set to return to Kerala.

Since receiving an alert two weeks ago about the H1N1 virus, the state government is on alert and has distributed Tamiflu tablets to all hospitals and primary health centres.

Dr Peethambaran, a senior health officer with the health department, said all district medical officers had been instructed to screen patients who visit hospitals with flu-like symptoms. The department had also distributed Tamiflu tablets to hospitals. If patients show symptoms of H1N1, they would be given the tablets.

He added that private hospitals would also be informed about this and tablets would be distributed to them next week.

Meetings

"We are holding meetings with representatives of all government and private hospitals for various other issues in a week. We will also discuss about the H1N1 virus at the meeting," Peethambaran said. Dr Amar S Fettle, state nodal officer, H1N1 control, Kerala added that only 35 positive cases have been reported in the state so far in 2012.

"We are more prone to this during the monsoon. Early intervention is necessary for effective treatment, so even if you are suffering from a common cold and it has not been cured in a couple of days, it is better to consult a doctor," Dr Fettle said.

The symptoms of the flu include fever, running nose, sneezing, body pain and respiratory problems, he said.