H1N1 toll rises to six in Coimbatore

Total number of cases reported in district is 65

March 07, 2015 12:00 am | Updated November 16, 2021 05:15 pm IST - COIMBATORE

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine K. Kolandaswamy demonstrates hand washing technique at a meeting on prevention and control of H1N1 influenza in Coimbatore on Friday. Photo: K. Ananthan

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine K. Kolandaswamy demonstrates hand washing technique at a meeting on prevention and control of H1N1 influenza in Coimbatore on Friday. Photo: K. Ananthan

A heart patient became the sixth H1N1 victim in Coimbatore on Thursday. The total number of cases crosses 65 in the district, with children accounting for less than five cases. 

According to official sources, a 55-year-old woman from Chettipalayam was admitted to a private hospital here ten days ago with chest pain. Diagnostics revealed that besides cardiac problem, she was tested for H1N1. 

The hospital began treating her for both problems. However, her condition deteriorated on Thursday and she passed away during the late hours in a private hospital. 

Health Department officials told The Hindu that ‘Nilavembu Kashayam, a Siddha concoction, was being distributed free at medical camps that are being conducted in areas witnessing a large number of fever cases. This brew is said to be effective in preventing H1N1 and dengue, as it improves immunity levels of the body.

As of now, 19 patients are undergoing treatment at an exclusive isolation ward created for H1N1 at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital [CMCH]. The ward bed strength has been tripled from the inital ten. Another increase to 40 beds is being contemplated. 

Five ventilators have been installed in the ward and more are likely to be re-deployed from other wards soon. Every shift will have five staff members, including a chief doctor, an assistant professor, two house surgeons and a postgraduate student along with staff nurses and paramedical staff.

Other wards located near the H1N1 ward such as the psychiatry ward and the de-addiction clinic have been shifted as a precautionary measure.

The Department was administering prophylactic treatment to all relatives and those who came in contact with the H1N1 patients. It was also testing them for H1N1. Disinfectants are being sprayed in their residences and the locality.

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