We have taken precautions

KOCHI: The authorities with the Health Department in the district said that they have ensured preventive measures. In the wake of H1N1 outbreak in Alappuzha, precautions have been taken, the officials said.The outbreak of water-borne diseases surfaced in West Kochi area could be contained. The water sample taken from West Kochi have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Alappuzha. The stool samples collected from the area have tested negative for cholera. Eight samples collected from various parts of the district were sent to NIV, Alappuzha, for testing Japanese Encephalitis. As the private hospitals are conducting rapid tests, the result can’t be accurate. So, the health department officials put such cases as suspected cases. the junior public health officials are visiting each households so as to create awareness among the people on epidemics. They will visit the patients who were tested positive for dengue fever at private hospitals. The samples from them will be taken and send to the NIV for conducting IGM antibody test which is more reliable for diagnosing H1N1. The JPHs will provide surveillance for pregnant women.Tamilfu, the medicine to be given to H1N1 patients, have been given to all the private hospitals free of cost. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) also has been given to these hospitals.