Tirthahalli taluk is reeling under H1N1 viral influenza with 18 positive cases reported here in September so far.
Of the 18 positive cases, two cases were reported on Friday. The Department of Health and Family Welfare has opened an isolation ward at Government JC Hospital in Tirthahalli town to treat infected persons.
H1N1 viral influenza is an air-borne disease, the symptoms of which include fever, body ache, fatigue and runny nose. Kiran S.K., Taluk Health Officer of Tirthahalli, told The Hindu that the first case of H1N1 influenza was reported at Morarji Desai Residential School in Anandagiri near Tirthahalli town on September 2. Some students from the school had complained of high fever and body ache. The swab samples of nine students were sent for medical investigation of which two samples were tested positive.
Following this, positive cases were reported from Shivarajapura, Mahishi, Tanikal and Kannangi villages. An ample stock of anti-viral drugs has been maintained in primary health centres in these villages. The department has also conducted awareness campaigns in the affected villages on measures to be taken to prevent the spread of the disease. The doctors have been directed to commence symptomatic treatment for patients with high fever and body ache from these villages without waiting for laboratory test results, he said.
Mr. Kiran said it had come to the notice of the department that some patients with symptoms of H1N1 from Tirthahalli were availing treatment at private hospitals in the neighbouring Udupi district. Private health establishments there have been directed to alert the department on patients with symptoms.
