Most H1N1 patients have recovered: Health minister Khader

In the wake of rising H1N1 cases in the state, Health Minister UT Khader on Monday held a meeting with officials, including district health officers, at Arogya Soudha to get complete information on cases and give instructions on control and treatment preparedness.

Speaking after the meeting Minister UT Khader said “We have discussed what measures we have taken to control communicable diseases. Viruses are present in air and water every year. During this weather, there is more mutation. There is no such danger now”.

“The H1N1 case count in the state is low, but we need to be more cautious. From January till now, have been 4,212 cases and everyone has recovered. Presently, there may be about 300 to 400 cases and it is more in the Bengaluru Urban area”, he said.

“People need to voluntarily take up awareness measures. They should drink hot water. Even in hot water, there are some viruses. I have told all hotels to provide hot water. There is news about an outbreak in a school. There is no outbreak of any kind. When some got fever, some took leave. But there is no H1N1 outbreak of any kind. We will send guidelines to schools and colleges. We will send an advisory notice regarding what kind of measures should be taken.

Regarding supply of fake medicines, the minister said the CID is investigating the case. “This supply of fake medicines must stop. This has no link in one place, it has links in different places. We will hold a national level conference on food safety in Bengaluru. Central officials, along with officials from our state and other states will also participate. There has been no supply to government hospitals, but investigation is underway as to where else it has been supplied. If we know where it has been supplied, we will take action immediately”.

Regarding analogue paneer, he said, “Any kind of artificial substance is banned. Artificial paneer has been banned for one year. The Commissioner has the power to ban for one year. We will issue another order for next year”.

With cases of H1N1 infection increasing in the state, the Health Department has issued guidelines to control the spread of the disease. So far, 4,212 cases of H1N1 have been registered across the state.

As per the guidelines, those infected with the H1N1 case must isolate themselves at home, wear a mask, keep washing hands with soap and sanitizer. They have been advised to drink warm water, not touch nose and eyes with hands. If one has symptoms, do not self-medicate or shake hands with others. Do not gather in public crowds and use a handkerchief.

With four more months to go for the year to end, already 4,125 cases of H1N1 infectons have been registered across the state. Given the situation, Health Minister U T Khader will chair a meeting on preparedness for treatment of H1N1 virus with officials to discuss treatment measures and preparedness and infectious diseases. All district health officers will also participate.

H1N1 case spread in districts
Bengaluru GBA-2,033 cases
Bengaluru Urban-982
Mysuru-184
Udupi-293
Dakshina Kannada-87
Ballari-51
Belagavi-45
Mandya-31
Haveri-26
Bengaluru Rural-26
Bengaluru South-26
Chamarajanagar-20
Shivamogga-91
Uttara Kannada-41
Davanagere-23 cases