Ernakulam : A four-year-old boy died of H1N1 disease in Ernakulam raising raising concerns among the public. Leyon Libu from Alangad, Olanad was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ernakulam.
Off late, Kerala has been witnessing an increasing number of H1N1 cases in the past two months. The H1N1 flu, sometimes called swine flu, is a type of influenza A virus. The hospital authorities had informed that he was affected with Swine Flu.
The alarming rise in H1N1 cases in the state has become a concern for the health department who have issued directives and alerts to the primary health centres in all Panchayats and districts. H1N1 cases are reported mostly in Malappuram, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts.
A 47-year-old named Saifunisa has succumbed to swine flu in Malappuram raising concerns in the district that has already witnessed a spike in the cases.
H1N1 is an airborne virus disease. However, in normal people the symptoms subside within two weeks of time, but for pregnant women, elderly and children, if let untreated, it could lead to death. With 200 confirmed cases and four deaths in the first week of July, Kerala is witnessing a sudden surge in the number of H1N1 cases reported daily. In June, the state reported 345 confirmed cases and five deaths. Experts said the spread can be prevented by adopting precautions and mortality avoided with proper treatment. Fever and body pain are common symptoms of the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the H1N1 flu to be a pandemic in 2009.
“Wearing masks should be made mandatory in public spaces where large number of people gather. Earlier during the time of Covid-19, there was a fear factor that existed. But after that as cases reduced and restrictions relaxed completely, no one cares much about it. But, now viral fevers, mainly the H1N1 is spreading fast in many parts. Public awareness is most important at this juncture”, said a Vignesh, a epidemiologist based at a private hospital in Kochi.
The number of H1N1 cases rising in Kerala has become a major concern for the health department. In June, the state reported 345 confirmed cases and five deaths. Experts said the spread can be prevented by adopting precautions and mortality avoided with proper treatment. Fever and body pain are common symptoms of the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the H1N1 flu to be a pandemic in 2009. Kerala States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
