H3N2 cases rare in Kerala: Health minister Veena George

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health minister Veena George has said the reporting of H3N2 cases are very rare in the state. The heath alert for the disease was given by the Centre in October last year itself to the state and ever since the state health department has been monitoring the situation.
“There are 46 H1N1 cases at present in the state and H3N2 cases are very rare in the state. However, the state is on alert since the fever cases are increasing,” the health minister said.
She said it has been decided to conduct the swab test in the influenza cases. The health department is doing a constant monitoring of the situation, especially in the region where more fever cases are being reported.
The health department has decided to conduct a ward-level monitoring and strengthen the field level activities to prevent the spreading the fever cases. The health authorities have urged the people to take treatment from the nearby hospital when there are fever symptoms. It has warned against taking self treatment in fever cases.
The health authorities have asked the people to drink only boiled water and also use clean and hygienic water for cooking process. It has asked not to keep the water used for kitchen purposes in open areas. A caution has been issued against chickenpox and diarrhoea also.