Swine flu fear grips Mahbubnagar

Mahbubnagar: With four students from Mahbubnagar Blind School tested positive for swine flu, the fear of spreading flu virus has gripped the people and officials alike across the district.

According to District Medical and Health officer Dr Ram Kishan, four out of six students from the school were diagnosed with swine flu symptoms and were immediately shifted to special ward for better treatment.

It is learnt that earlier, the students of Blind School who had gone on a camp tour to Chegoor village, had fell sick and were hospitalised for treatment at government general hospital in Mahbubnagar. After the hospital authorities observed symptoms of viral infection, they took the blood samples and conducted tests and found four of the six admitted students tested positive for swine flu.

“We have found four students infected with swine flu. Soon after learning about the infection, we have taken all measures to ensure no proliferation of flu virus. We have shifted all the infected students to a special ward and are giving them the required treatment,” said Dr Ram Kishan.

After finding the spread of swine flu infection, the district administration is taking extra caution and have directed all the district hospitals in Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool and Gadwal districts to be alert. The officials are also gathering data of earlier swine flu cases in the district and ascertaining the source of spread of flu in the districts.

Earlier, there was a case in Wanaparthy where a girl student named Shalini had lost her life due to improper diagnosis of swine flu symptoms early as her parents took her to different private hospitals before being detected with swine flu.

But it was too late for her as she was shifted to Hyderabad for advanced treatment after the flu had already reached final stage and the girl had to lose her life. Now, Shalini’s sister is also diagnosed with swine flu and is undergoing treatment.

Similar case of a 60-year-old Kurumaiah of Nandivadedman village of Bijinepally mandal in Nagarkurnool had also come to light, where he was also shifted to Hyderabad for advanced treatment. With various cases of swine flu spotted in the district during the past one year, the people and healthcare authorities are expressing fear and observing extra caution to ensure the flu does not proliferate further.

“To ascertain the source of swine flu and to identify the number of infected persons in the district, we have taken up a survey in Bijinepally, Lattupally, Pedda Muddanoor and Telkapally mandals of Nagarkurnool district. Based on the survey report, we will take adequate steps to sensitise the people about the flu,” informed the DMHO.

Symptoms of swine flu (H1N1)

High Fever Lethargy Sore throat, cold Severe vomiting, diarrhea Cough with yellow sputum Difficulty in breathing

Do’s

Don’ts

Cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing with tissue paper (make sure you dispose it carefully) or handkerchief. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching the nose, eyes and mouth. Get adequate sleep and manage stress effectively. Keep physically active. Take rest and plenty of fluids. Eat nutritious food and enhance your immune system. Reduce time spent in crowded areas. Wear a mask and keep a distance of at least 1 metre from people having symptoms.

Don’t shake hands or hug while greeting. Don’t take medicines without doctor’s prescription. Don’t spit in public places. Avoid going to crowded places. Don’t travel if you have flu symptoms. Don’t send your child to school if they have flu symptomss