Fever cases rise rapidly, Min rejects calls to close down schools

CHENNAI: Even before the pandemic is over, the Health officials are now battling the rapid spread of A-H1N1 influenza across the State, which is quickly spiralling into a political war of words between the government and opposition.

Officials said at least 200 influenza cases are being reported every day in Tamil Nadu and the total number of cases has gone up to 1,044, but added that the situation was under control.

According to Health Minister Ma Subramanian, there are 364 active cases in the State, of whom 68 are undergoing treatment at hospitals while the rest are being managed in home isolation and outpatient treatment. There was no need to panic, as the incidence of flu during this time of the year was common, he said. “It is a normal flu, which has symptoms of fever, cold, cough, sore throat and body ache. Not only children, but even adults are likely to be affected,” Subramanian said, adding that because of high chances of household transmission of the infection, it was important that family members to cover their mouth even inside homes.

Noting how people world over were following safety precautions like using sanitisers, masks and social distancing, the Minister cautioned people against assuming that such protocols were not required.

“In our neighbourhood, Kerala is also seeing a surge in cases, and COVID cases are being reported in large numbers in several parts of the world. With pandemic, too, increasing in the State, safety norms will help keep us safe from flu and COVID,” he said.

Responding to O Panneerselvam’s demand to declare holiday for schools because of the increase flu cases, he said it was not required at this point and pointed out that it was not a new virus. Students who are unwell should stay in isolation in their homes, he added.