The district is reeling under the spread of H1N1 influenza with three infected persons having lost their lives since September 1.
District Surveillance Officer B.S. Shankarappa told The Hindu that swab samples of 325 persons showing symptoms of H1N1, which include fever, body ache, fatigue and runny nose, have been tested in the district since September 1; 86 tested positive. Of these, the most cases — 38 — were reported from Shivamogga taluk, followed Bhadravathi taluk (15), Thirthahalli (13), Shikaripur (9), Hosanagar and Sagar taluks (4 each), and Sorab (3). From November 16 through 26, five positive cases were reported, he said.
Following the outbreak, isolated wards have been established at McGann Hospital and at all the taluk-level government hospitals to treat infected persons. Private health establishments have been directed to bring to the notice of the Department of Health and Family Welfare cases of patients having symptoms of H1N1. Ample stock of anti-viral and H1N1 drugs is being maintained at the primary health centres in the district, Dr. Shankarappa said.
Meanwhile, doctors serving with PHCs as well as private health establishments have been directed to commence symptomatic treatment for persons with high fever and body ache without waiting for laboratory results, he added.