People told to take precautions

Amaravati: Allaying fears over H1N1 virus which is causing swine flu, Special Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Poonam Malakondaiah appealed to people to take precautions. Addressing the media at the Secretariat on Saturday, the Special Chief Secretary pointed out that swine flu cases were reported four months ahead this year. “Swine flu cases are being reported due to the fall in temperatures in October,” she said. She said that as many as 223 cases were reported since January to October 21 in the State and 37 patients were undergoing treatment in government and private hospitals.

Poonam suggested that children, the aged and the pregnant women should be careful regarding the swine flu. According to her, the government had already arranged 352 beds, 66 ventilators, and necessary medicine at 80 centres in the State which would be increased in case it was necessary. Comparatively, the number of swine flu cases has come down this year, she said and added that the incidence was very low in the State compared to other States. She said that last year till October 21, 475 cases were reported whereas it was only 223 in the corresponding period this year. She said that 11,762 awareness camps were conducted and 4.16 lakh people were tested at bus stations, railway stations and the airports in the state.

In case a swine flu case is reported at one place, the preventive measures are being taken in 5-km radius, she said. Referring to the preventive measures, she said that washing hands with soap frequently, holding a kerchief across the face in case of sneezing or coughing, taking plenty of water and nutritional food, and immediately undergoing tests in case of any doubt. If anybody is suffering from fever, cough and cold for three consecutive days, they should go to the nearest hospital and undergo tests, she exhorted people.