Chennai: Tamil Nadu witnessed at least 2,994 H1N1 cases and 15 deaths this year as per the data released by Union health ministry recently, ranking third in the number of cases reported in the country after Maharashtra (4,245 cases) and Goa (3,029).
Though state health department officials say that risk of swine flu outbreak has decreased currently, statistics reveal that around 98 cases have been reported since past one month. Showing a sharp increase in swine flu cases for the last few months, H1N1 is now under control, say health department officials.
As India recorded highest number of 342 casualties in August, state health department intensified control measures, as Tamil Nadu can be prone to the infection. Owing to the temperature fluctuations, risk of H1N1 becomes grave as virus can thrive easily in such weather conditions, say doctors.
“A large number of cases were witnessed in last few months, but the situation is under control at present. Government hospitals are instructed to provide diagnostic and treatment facilities to strengthen measures of preventing an outbreak. Vaccination programme to high-risk age groups, inborn and schools students across the state is also intensified to prevent infection,” said Dr K. Kolandaisamy, public health director.
He added that surveillance and monitoring of H1N1 flu at government hospitals is being done on a regular basis. No deaths have been reported in the state in last one month from the data obtained from government hospitals, he said.
Situation under control: Health dept
State third in recording highest number of cases in the country.
Total cases in India- 22,186 cases 1,100 deaths
Total number of swine flu cases in TN:
Cases till July-2,896 cases, 15 deaths
Increase in August- 98
Current total-2,994 cases, 15 deaths
