Udupi records rise in H1N1 cases; 8 deaths reported since January

Udupi: Udupi district has seen a steep increase in the number of H1N1 cases. According to officials from the department of health and family welfare, 306 cases have been reported this year, including eight deaths.
A senior official said, “We are recording a rise in the number of cases every alternate year. In the year 2017, 524 cases and six deaths were reported. In 2018, the number of cases dropped to 117 and no death was reported,” the officer said.
Seasonal influenza is caused by a number of circulating influenza viruses such as Influenza A HINI, H3N2, Influenza B and so on. Respiratory transmission occurs mainly by droplets disseminated by unprotected coughs and sneezes. Short-distance airborne transmission of influenza viruses may occur, particularly in crowded enclosed spaces. Hand contamination and direct inoculation of virus is another possible source of transmission.
Increase in the number of cases is from January this year and steep rise was recorded between March and April. Of the 306 cases, 229 are from Udupi taluk which mainly comprises urban and semi-urban areas. H1N1 cases are less prevalent in Kundapur and Karkala taluks.
From the government side, precautionary measures are in place with five beds each for male and female patients being set up at district hospitals and three beds each for male and female patients at taluk hospitals. Currently, there is a decline in the number of cases, but post monsoon, the trend could continue, an officer from the health department said.
Of the eight deaths reported, one each was reported in January and February, four in March and two in April. Four directly died due to H1N1 and in four cases they were contributory factors like diabetes and cancer. As many as 50% of the patients were above 60 years. There is enough stock of medicines in PHCs and government hospitals. All doctors have been trained as per the Union government guidelines. Experts from KMC, Manipal, have also been consulted, a health officer said.
BOX
PRECAUTIONS
Whenever possible, avoid crowded, enclosed spaces and close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill persons or their environment, may reduce the risk of acquiring illness. Ill persons should be encouraged to practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, wash hands).
The State Scene
Total positive cases Deaths
2019 (Till May 18) 1,607 76
2018 1,733 87
2017 3,260 15
Source: Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services