H1N1 cases in Kerala touches dozen

Thiruvananthapuram, April 24 (IANS) The number of H1N1 cases in Kerala has touched a dozen, a health official said Tuesday, adding that the authorities were fully prepared to deal with the situation.

Speaking to IANS, H1N1 nodal officer Amar S. Fettle said the maximum number of cases has been reported in Kozhikode, with districts like Thrissur, Malappuram, Kasargode and Alappuzha also reporting cases of H1N1.

The health authorities are fully geared and all the hospitals have stocks of medicine.

He said that people should seek medical advice when they report with fever and not attempt self-medication.

The worst attack of H1N1 was reported in 2009 when many people died, and there was another attack in 2011, but with less mortality, he said.

'This time things are different, more because Kerala people over the years have developed immunity and also because of a vigilant health back up in terms of adequate supply of medicines and testing facilities,' said Fettle.