The Health Department is on the vigil after cases of dengue and H1N1 were reported in the neighbouring States.
“People need to be cautious if they have fever for one or two days. Fever with throat pain should be monitored as only delayed diagnosis is a problem,” said Health Minister C. Vijaya Baskar. Fever wards have been set up in all government hospitals.
Though fever cases were being reported across the State, the situation was under control and there was nothing alarming, the Minister said. “There is no outbreak of dengue or H1N1 in Tamil Nadu. There are only sporadic cases,” he added. . We have taken up the job seriously. In fact, dengue was 10 to 20 times higher last year,” he said.
People need to keep two things in mind, he said, adding, there is no need for panic and fever untreated for five days could lead to complications.
K. Kolandaswamy, director public health and preventive medicine said in the present scenario, more than 90% of fever was self-limiting. “The remaining may be typhoid, leptospirosis, malaria, dengue, scrub typhus and seasonal flu. People cannot differentiate between the types of fever and it is essential that they approach qualified medical practitioners within 24 hours of occurrence of fever. Fever in children, elderly and pregnant women should not be ignored,” he said.
In dengue, complications could be prevented with proper fluid management in the initial stages. In case of seasonal flu, Oseltamivir is effective if taken within five days of onset of fever, he said.
Legal action
Senior officials have directed government offices and hospitals to maintain cleanliness and clear scrap materials from their premises to prevent breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. The heads of the respective government offices would face legal action if they fail to do so, he said.
“We have instructed hospitals to keep their premises free from Aedes mosquito breeding. All scrap materials should be removed. Surfaces such as bed rails, door handles, pharmacy counters, staircase railing and lifts should be cleaned and disinfection process should be followed. We have given one week time, and failure to follow instructions will attract legal action,” Dr. Kolandaswamy said.
In Chennai, 15 IAS officials were engaged as monitoring offices to tackle H1N1 and dengue. They are tasked with ensuring cleanliness and prevent mosquito breeding in the city. Collectors of Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts have been asked to take up activities in the suburban areas.
