Swine flu scare: DHO urges public to take precautions

Mangaluru: With as many as 29 people testing positive for the swine flu virus in the Dakshina Kannada district, Dr M Ramakrishna Rao, District Health and Family Welfare Officer (DHO) on Wednesday said that the public should immediately get themselves checked if they show any symptoms of the virus and take necessary precautions to prevent the disease.

Rao informed that of the 29 confirmed cases reported between January 1 to October 15 of this year, Mangaluru accounted for 26 cases while Bantwal and Puttur accounted for two and one cases respectively. Among those infected, 23 have been cured and two are under treatment, he added.

Further, he mentioned that the official announcement on the death of four persons, due to suspected H1N1 virus, will be made after receipt of a detailed report from the Death Audit Committee.

Rao said that the health department plans to conduct a seminar in order to create general public awareness with regard to do’s and don’ts to prevent swine flu virus and its treatment.  

“Cold, fever, cough, running nose, headache, body ache, chills and tiredness are the among the symptoms of the disease while some may even suffer from vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus spreads while the patient coughs or sneezes,” he said adding as a precautionary measure one has to cover his nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing and should also wash hands using soap frequently.

Dr Rajeshwari Devi, Superintendent of Wenlock Hospital,  Mangaluru Taluk Health Officer Naveen Kulal and others were present.