In a big relief to health officials, incidence of H1N1 influenza has started coming down in Tiruchi.
There is no report of new patients with the symptoms of swine flue admitted to hospitals during the last two weeks. The last case was reported with H1N1 symptoms on March 12.
According to officials, the estimated incubation period could range from 1 to 7 days, and generally 1 to 4 days.
Persons with H1N1 virus infection is considered potentially contagious for up to 7 days after onset of illness. There is no possibility for the H1N1 virus to spread in Tiruchi as the incubation period of the last affected person is over. However, the theory will not be applicable if outsiders, who have got exposure to the virus, come to Tiruchi and remain on self medication.
“It seems the danger period is over. There is no cause for worry. However, we will continue to create awareness of H1N1 virus among the people,” S. Mariappan, City Health Officer, Tiruchi Corporation.
He said as many as 13 cases were infected with H1N1 influenza in Tiruchi since January 13. Some received treatment in private hospitals in Coimbatore while others were treated in government and private hospitals in Tiruchi. All of them had been discharged from hospitals.
No one had died of H1N1 virus as far as Tiruchi was concerned.
The special camps conducted by the corporation in five places in the city had been withdrawn.
However, screening of passengers would continue at railway junction and airport. Mr. Mariappan said many patients affected with swine flu were reported to have travel history to the H1N1 disease affected areas in different parts of the country. There is no source of the disease in Tiruchi. The onset of summer could work well in favour of the health department and officials to bring the H1N1 disease under control. The corporation would continue to carry out Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to create awareness among the people.
