Tamil Nadu steps up H1N1 control measures

CHENNAI: In an effort to control the spread of communicable diseases like H1N1 in the state, the health department is implementing a multi-dimensional approach, said health minister Dr C Vijayabhaskar.
He along with other health officials conducted a review meeting on infectious disease control in the state on Monday. He said that the state is stepping up measures on parallel fronts – to control the deaths due to H1N1 in a few regions across the state and to treat and manage the viral infection.
He went on to add that H1N1 was a pandemic in 2009 but now its virulence has gone down and the World Health organization has declared it a seasonal influenza. “Though there is no necessity for aggressive treatment anymore, we do not want to take chances so we are stepping up control measures,” he said.
The directorate of public health has set up 24 hour exclusive helplines (044-24350496, 044-24334811, 9444340496) to provide information on dengue and all types of fever. Stating that the health department is working round the clock to monitor the situation, the minister appealed to the people not to panic and stay calm.
"We have made arrangements for isolation of patients having H1N1 in all the district hospitals. We also have adequate supply of requirements, including medicines for treating patients having the flu," said the director of public health Dr K Kolandaisamy. The official added that the state has stocked over 11 lakh Tamiflu tablets and 13 testing centers have been set up across the state. He appealed to the public to immediately contact the helplines if anyone develops swine flu-like symptoms.