20 influenza deaths in Sept reported across State

CHENNAI: At least 20 deaths have been reported due to influenza last month in Tamil Nadu. A total of 22 deaths have been recorded so far, of which two were reported until August 31, 2022, as per the Central Surveillance Unit, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, National Centre for Disease Control.

While Health Department officials continue to reiterate there is no need to panic and the outbreak is in control, 20 deaths in a month is worrisome, experts said. “Now, there are 381 active cases of influenza and more than 1,900 cases have been reported in TN. Cases among children and elders are of concern as they are vulnerable. We are testing people who are required to be tested as per protocol,” said Dr P Sampath, joint director, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Fever camps across TN are also being conducted to identify cases at the earliest and provide treatment. No cases were recorded from camps for the first three days.

“We are now seeing complicated influenza cases when the child is treated at a private hospital or clinic or kept in home isolation and being managed with over the counter pills to bring down the fever. But, as they are turning complicated, parents are rushing to the hospital. It is important that the patient is taken to the hospital if the fever is of high grade and continues beyond 3-4 days,” a government doctor from Institute of Child Health said.

The Health Department is to conduct training for healthcare workers for proper management of fever cases and timely referral. High risk category people need to be more cautious and late referrals should be avoided.