57% of India’s 955 H1N1 cases in State; numbers falling, says DPH
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu accounts for more than 57% of 955 H1N1 influenza cases recorded in India. With 260 cases and 1 more fatality in February, the State recorded the highest number of influenza cases as per the latest data by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
However, the good news is that the numbers have been declining in March and the rate of decline is about 70%.
Tamil Nadu has reported 545 cases and 2 fatalities due to H1N1 influenza flu, which is the highest in the country. Maharashtra stands second with 170 cases of influenza. Overall, 13 H1N1-related fatalities have been recorded in India.
The State recorded 2,827 cases, second highest in the country last year, and 25 deaths were reported. Talking about the decline in influenza cases, a senior official from the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine pointed out, “Yes, there has been an H3N2 outbreak in many states, but Tamil Nadu has seen cases of H1N1 too other than H3N2. The cases are now declining. The rise in the cases of H1N1 is normal this time of the year and the number of deaths remain comparatively low, as the management and treatment protocols are well in place.”
Earlier this week, Health Minister Ma Subramanian had said that the influenza cases were declining, and that the active cases have dropped. Concurring with him was Dr P Balaji, dean of Stanley Medical College and Hospital, who said: “Admissions for Influenza have declined by about 60-70%. Meanwhile, outpatients with fever and flu are also reducing.”