THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As summer showers strengthen, the city has become more vulnerable to the H1N1 virus. It has become endemic in the state over the years, and the number of suspected cases have multiplied.
So far around 21 confirmed deaths were reported in the state. Last week, one death was reported in the state capital. The health authorities are also expecting a spike in swine flu cases compared to previous years.
The state nodal officer – H1N1 (Directorate of Health Services), Dr Amar Fettle said that it was impossible to keep track on the number of cases being reported in the state.
“The number of swine flu cases has spiralled across the country and it would reflect in Kerala too. So health authorities here are anticipating it and are prepared,” said Mr Amar.
He said that directions had been given to doctors to step up surveillance. “We have issued specific guidelines and disseminated them to doctors in both the public and private sector.
We have alerted them to be careful with high risk group including pregnant women, those ailing from other diseases, elderly and small children,” he said.
