PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Dehradun chief medical officer Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma informed that 36 cases of swine flu (Influenza H1N1) have been confirmed in Dehradun district from August 1 to August 22 and two of those inflicted by the virus have died. Of them, 28 cases originated from Dehradun district, while eight cases originated in other districts and states. While providing a breakdown of the eight cases, he said that five had originated in Haridwar, one from Rudrapur, one from Shivpuri and one from Saharanpur. “Out of these 36 cases, 13 have recovered, 13 have been contacted for follow-up, five are in the ICU and three are in the ward and two cases have resulted in death,” he added.
Queried on the common symptoms, the CMO said that they include mild cold, cough, high fever, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. “People should stay away from crowded places to prevent the spread of the virus. If it is necessary to be in a gathering, wearing a mask is recommended. It is also important to maintain hygiene by washing hands with soap before meals and ensuring hand-washing upon returning home,” he said.
He advised that anyone experiencing the symptoms, particularly the elderly individuals, children or pregnant women, should maintain distance from others and wear a mask. “Besides, they should contact a doctor immediately,” he added.
CMO issues advisory to Govt & pvt hospitals
DEHRADUN: The Dehradun chief medical officer, Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, issued an influenza H1N1 (swine flu)-related advisory to all government and private hospitals operating across the Dehradun district.
He instructed the hospitals to strengthen their surveillance activities for influenza-like symptoms (ILI) by testing at least five per cent of ILI cases and 100 per cent of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases for influenza. To facilitate this, he emphasised the need to ensure that influenza testing kits are available in all health facilities and that testing is conducted promptly to confirm cases. “Hospitals should also maintain an adequate stock of logistical materials, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), N95 masks, VTM vials and Oseltamivir medication,” he added.
Further, he recommended considering influenza vaccinations for healthcare workers and those belonging to high-risk groups. “Hospitals must ensure appropriate treatment and ventilator management for critically ill patients. If required, the Centre can provide training in this area,” he added.
Additionally, the CMO stressed on strengthening the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network to ensure real-time monitoring of influenza cases across the country. Various other directions were issued to hospitals as well.
