No swine flu cases in dist this season

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 19

Despite favourable weather conditions, over the past three weeks in the district, for the proliferation of H1N1 virus not even a single case of swine flu has been reported so far this year.

Swine flu, a respiratory infection, caused by the H1N1 virus, cases often reaches its peak in January owing to the favourable cold conditions ideal for the spread of the deadly virus.

Of the total 61 cases reported last year in the district, around 40 were reported in January itself.

Experts informed that majority of the workload, usually, happened during the first three weeks of January; however, this year, the situation had been well under control.

Official at the District Health Department informed that around 50 suspected cases had been reported, including some from the nearby districts and villages, however, none had been found positive of the fatal disease.

Health officials informed that a few ‘Category-B’ suspected cases were also reported, however, Tamiflu was provided to the patients. Tamiflu is effective in the treatment of swine flu patients, however, it is not a substitute for the flu vaccine.

Notably, the district was among the worst swine flu affected in the state last year.

Meanwhile, Patiala Civil Surgeon Harish Malhotra said adequate pro-active measures had been made for the treatment and testing. He said isolation wards for swine influenza had already been set up in all the major hospitals in the district.

Apart from isolation wards, flu corners were also set up at the health centres, sub-divisional hospitals and district hospitals.

In fact, flu corners, as a measure of screening, are being set up so that all the patients having influenza-like illness (ILI) such as cough, cold and fever could be isolated from the rest of the population.

Dr Malhotra said, “We were fully equipped and ready to tackle any situation. Though positive cases have been not reported so far we are still on our toes for any eventuality. Our health officers are constantly observing the suspected cases and taking all the possible measures required to stop the spread of the disease.”

Isolation wards, flu corners in place

• Patiala Civil Surgeon Harish Malhotra said adequate pro-active measures had been taken for treatment and testing. He said isolation wards for swine influenza had already been set up in all major hospitals in the district.
• Apart from isolation wards, flu corners were also set up at the health centres, sub-divisional hospitals and district hospitals.
• In fact, flu corners, as a measure of screening, are being set up so that all patients having influenza-like illness (ILI) such as cough, cold and fever could be isolated from the rest of the population.