The district medical team has strengthened the monitoring of the H1N1 flu cases in schools in Thodupuzha municipal areas in the wake of the confirmed cases reported from the area. The team collects throat swap and blood samples of the suspected cases and are being sent to Thiruvanathapuram for testing on a daily basis.
A helpline has been opened at the taluk hospital to co-ordinate the activities against the spread of the flu cases.
An official of the helpline said in the Thodupuzha area, 29 cases were already confirmed and majority of them are students. He however, said that all the confirmed cases did not belong to the district as the samples from nearby areas are also being received at the centre.
The medical team has also started an awareness campaign in schools against the flu. Educational department has advised the school authorities to avoid study tours outside the State. Those suspected to be infected with H1N1 should be shifted to safe places in the house and towels should be used while coughing, notes the leaflets supplied at the of awareness classes.
Those who are afflicted of the flu should contact the helpline before seeking medical help. The helpline numbers are: 9446931781, 9447984978, 9446345523.
