TN to set up fever camps in streets with over 3 cases: Ma Su

CHENNAI: As part of intensifying fight against widespread flu cases in the State, the Health Department will set up special fever camps if more than three cases are identified in a street and area from Thursday, said Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Wednesday. He inaugurated a fever camp at Tiruvallur, part of 1,000 fever camps that began functioning across the State.

In the age group of 15-65, a total of 167 patients have been infected with H1N1 in Tamil Nadu.

Chennai has 100 fever camps set up at Kottivakkam, Anna Nagar, Perungudi, Neelankarai and Egmore. Tiruvallur district has the highest camps with 168, and people with symptoms like fever, cold and cough can get checked at the nearby camps.

"From tomorrow, if over three fever cases are detected in a street or an area, we will organise a special fever camp to get tested and treatment will be provided accordingly. Also, school teachers are instructed that if there are any students who have symptoms they should be sent home immediately to prevent the spread of the infection," said the minister.

So far, the State has 353 AH1N1 active cases, of which 9 are admitted to government hospitals, as many as 285 patients are treated at private healthcare centres, and 59 cases are under home isolation. A total of 53 kids below 5 years are affected, and in the 5 - 15 age group 61 children are tested. From 15-65 years, 167 people are treated for the infection, and 72 people above 65 years. The minister stated that people need not panic as the rise is not alarming.

From January 1, 2022, a total of 5,064 samples were tested of which 1,267 were treated at hospitals and home isolation. And around 11 deaths were recorded with comorbid conditions. The health department tests only those with symptoms.