Health officials on alert for swine flu

 Kakinada: Medical authorities in the district swung into action to treat suspected H1N1 (swine flu) cases which are on rise during the last one week.

According to in-charge DMHO Dr Ramesh Kishore, in the last few days a total of 20 suspected cases were treated across the district. All these were found of mild nature and the patients were treated and discharged.

The swine flu created panic in local population after the death of a middle aged woman about ten days ago in Kakinada suburbs in a private hospital.

Dr Ramesh Kishore on Tuesday said that apart from Kakinada Government General Hospital with a 10-bed isolated ward, the Vaidya Vidhana Parishad Hospital at Rajamahendravaram is also treating H1N1 with five beds.

Area hospitals at Tuni, Peddapuram, Ramachandrapuram and Amalapuram have three- bed separate wards for swine flu treatment, the DMHO said.

In addition to these, 32 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the district have one-bed isolated ward each to treat H1N1, he added.

“We have special kits to treat the suspected cases and people need not panic or worry about swine flu. Those who are suffering with symptoms of fever, cough and cold should opt for medical care to clarify their doubts on H1N1, the DMHO added.