Hyderabad: Five fresh cases of swine flu were confirmed in Telangana state on Saturday, taking the total to 86. Of the five people afflicted, three are children, aged 15 months, three-and half years and four-and-half years. The three-and-half-year-old child is from the Banjara Hills area, while the other two are from the Ranga Reddy district.
Rainbow Hospital director Dr Dinesh Chirla said, “Children below five years of age form a vulnerable group. The virus spreads through drop-lets, so if someone coughs in front of children, or if the kids touch surfaces where the droplets have landed, then there are chances of getting infected. Once infected, isolation of the child is very important. All of them do not require hospitalisation. Those with mild infections are counselled to stay isolated for a period of five to seven days at home. They should avoid school, gatherings and playing outside.”
Apart from the three children, two men too have contracted swine flu. They are undergoing treatment in private hospitals.
The district surveillance officers have been asked to step up the counselling measures.
