Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 2: District health officer (DHO), Dr Ramachandra Bairy, revealed that a total of 42 swine flu cases were reported from various parts of the district for the six month period ending June this year, and that this notorious disease had taken away seven lives during this period.

"22 H1N1 cases and four deaths were reported from Udupi taluk, three cases with one death were reported from Karkala taluk, while one person died out of 15 cases of this disease reported from Kundapur taluk," district health survey officer, Dr Rohini explained.

This information was shared at a meeting of private medical institutions and medical colleges convened at the district administration complex at Manipal on Tuesday July 1 for discussing ways and means to contain this disease.

Dr Rohini called upon the concerned to immediately alert the health department as and when swine flu cases come to their notice. "Keeping suitable stock of medicines and speedy diagnosis play very important role in regulating this disease. Immediate dispensation of medicine acquires prominent place in the treatment of the disease," she noted.

Discussions held thereafter at the meeting focussed on the availability of ventilators in private and government hospitals. The concerned were asked to take effective preventive measures in Manipal University and hostels coming under it.

The DHO also impressed on the necessity to concentrate on minimizing he spread of malaria and dengue, which are spreading their wings because of advantageous situation prevailing for the breeding of mosquitoes arising out of sparse rainfall, by keeping the surroundings clean. He also asked the doctors to see that those affected by leprosy complete the entire course of treatment, as curtailing treatment midway can result in aggravation of the disease.