KOCHI: Even as the district medical office authorities have stepped up preventive measures and awareness programmes on the need to take vaccination against diphtheria, two more suspected cases were reported on Monday. A 27-year-old woman from Irumbanam and a 9-year- old boy from Fort Kochi have been admitted at Ernakulam government general hospital with symptoms of the deadly disease. “Throat swabs of the patients have been sent for further laboratory tests. The patients are under observation in the General hospital,” said district medical officer Dr. N.K Kuttappan.
Meanwhile, disease prevention measures have been intensified at Thrikkakara where the Assam native died due to diphtheria and also at Kaloor and Vazhakulam where suspected cases were reported. Treatment is being given to those having fever, throat pain and cough. As many as 26 persons were given the preventive vaccination. Health workers engaged in disease prevention were also given vaccination. The health department has intensified source reduction and vector control activities in Paipra, near Muvattupuzha, where increased cases of dengue fever were reported.
As many as 39 suspected and 5 confirmed dengue cases have been reported from the village. According to district vector control unit officials, the area is highly vulnerable to vector borne diseases as pineapple, coco and rubber farms in these regions serve as fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Eleven cases of H1N1 were reported from different parts of the district in the last one week. Since, H1N1 flu can be fatal for high risk category persons like pregnant women, the elderly and patients with diabetes and cardiac problems, they should seek immediate medical advice if symptoms like fever, running nose and headache continue, said DMO in a media release.
