State put on alert for H1N1 influenza

Hospitals advised to seek travel details of patients after a spurt in some regions

The alert comes in the wake of a direction from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to all States. File photo

With a number of northern States reporting cases of H1N1 influenza since the beginning of the year, Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has instructed hospitals to ask for the travel history of patients reporting with influenza-like illness.

This comes in the wake of a direction from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare asking States to be on the alert. H1N1 influenza cases were reported in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana and Telangana.

48 cases reported

According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme data, 48 cases of H1N1 influenza were reported in Tamil Nadu till January 13. Last year, the State accounted for 2,812 cases and 43 deaths.

K. Kolandaswamy, director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said northern parts of the country, especially States such as Rajasthan had a high number of H1N1 influenza cases.

“Following this, the Union Health Ministry conducted a meeting with all States via video conferencing on Monday.

The officials reviewed the situation and gave specific instructions,” he said. He added that though the number of cases were low in Tamil Nadu, they were not taking any chances.

“This is because the State has travel links to the affected areas such as Jaipur. The Ministry has asked all States to stay alert. We have instructed hospitals to ask patients reporting with influenza-like illness for their travel history,” he said.

Disinfection measures

In case of suspicion, doctors can initiate Oseltamivir, the drug for treating influenza, without any delay, he said, adding: “Delay in initiation of Oseltamivir will not help in treating the patients. Only patients who are admitted should be tested for H1N1 influenza.”

With hospitals being the main area of challenge to prevent spread of infection, Dr. Kolandaswamy said hospitals were told to intensify disinfection measures.

“They should spray disinfectants in areas such as outpatient departments,” he said. V. Ramasubramanian, Director of Medical Services and Infectious Diseases Consultant, The Capstone Clinic, said except some cases of clinical suspicion, there were no significant number of proven cases of H1N1 influenza.

Hand hygiene

“Vaccination is still advised for those who have not received it. Hand hygiene and awareness is important,” he said.

S. Ponnambala Namasivayam, dean, Stanley Medical College Hospital, said they are receiving patients with complaints of fever but there were no patients reporting with symptoms of respiratory infections for at least a month.