Tamil Nadu: More than 850 swine flu cases in last one month

Chennai: The total number of swine flu  cases in Tamil Nadu has doubled in less than a month. The number of cases recorded till October 21 this year was 529.  However, with more than 857 cases till November 11, the total number has gone up to 1,386 cases as per the recent data provided by the state health department to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

As the state healthdepartment officials are busy controlling the spread of vector borne diseases, the number is likely to rise due to intermittent rains in the state. Death toll due to swine flu has risen to 13. Tirunelveli, Trichy, Theni, Cuddalore, Coimbatore and Vellore are witnessing more number of cases of swine flu.

However, public health director Dr K. Kolandaisamy said that the incidence of swine flu is now reducing and the number increased during October and November and is decreasing gradually. “The number had increased due to  seasonal changes and the health department is monitoring the vaccination and medication availability also,” he said.

Health department officials boast of better management of swine flu cases this year stating that the incidence is low than last year. Though Tamil Nadu records less cases of swine flu than last year, the deaths are more in 2018. The state recorded 3,315 swine cases and 17 deaths in 2017, whereas as per the Directorate of Public Health, 27 deaths have been reported till date in the state due to the same.

However, against the earlier statement, state health department officials said that the exact number of cases and deaths is not yet available. “The 

state health department is extensively working towards the restoration of services in cyclone Gaja affected areas and analysis of exact numbers of 

incidence of vector-borne diseases and swine flu would be provided next week,” said a senior health department official.

As against the reports stating a shortage of vaccines and medications against H1N1, the authorities have assured of enough stock and availability of medications.

Drug Controller Dr K. Sivabalan said that there are more than 20 lakh tablets/ capsules of Oseltamivir available in government hospitals in the state. “Moreover, 8,000-9,000 private chemists shops are also having enough stock of the medicine. We are not witnessing high demands of the medicine despite the rise in cases,” said Dr Sivabalan.

The officials of Directorate of Public Health also assured that there is enough vaccine dosage available with the department. However, the vaccine is not included in the immunization schedule and has been recommended only for those people who would come into contact with those affected with swine flu.