Mysuru: In just a span of two and half months, the number of H1N1 positive cases in Mysuru district has risen to 129 including eight deaths in contrast to just 5 positive H1N1 cases with no death being reported last calendar year.
Since January this year, district health authorities have sent more than 289 suspected samples to NIMHANs in Bengaluru, were the test are conducted to verify if the person is positive for H1N1 or not. Out of the 289 samples sent so far, 129 were confirmed with H1N1 including eight deaths.
The increase in H1N1 cases in the district has put district health officials and city corporation health officers on an alert. More than 90 H1N1 positive cases were reported in Mysuru city itself. Both district health officers and corporation health officers have started to take up various awareness programs but it seems it’s not reaching the door step of the people.
Dr Kusuma, District Surveillance Officer, district health department said “To reach out to the people we are conducting various awareness program. As part of awareness program we distribute pamphlets to the people which contain information about dos and don’ts to prevent H1N1 disease. Through anganawadis and various staffs we are also doing house to house surveillance and creating awareness by distributing pamphlets. Prevention is better than cure, so keeping this in mind we don’t want this to spread instead people should get aware how H1N1 spreads. Those who are having cough, cold and fever should report to hospitals or nearby health centre for further checkup. The virus spreads when one touches an infected surface or breathe cough and sneeze droplets in the air. Majority of the patients who are suffering from H1N1 are in the age group of 45 years and above and pregnant women.
Corporation Health officers Dr Ramachandra and Dr DG Nagaraj also mentioned that they have taken up various awareness program and in days to come several such awareness program will be taken up including door to door surveillance as well as at mass gatherings, summer camps etc. H1N1affected patients are undergoing treatment at private and government hospital and their conditions are stable. In 2015, the district reported 118 positiveH1N1 cases including five deaths.
