Steps taken to tackle virus in Mandi, Kullu

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, January 30

Health authorities of Mandi and Kullu district have geared up to tackle H1N1 virus here, after two residents of Mandi district died of swine flu at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.

Official sources said so far, no case of swine flu was detected at the district hospitals in Mandi and Kullu. For the treatment of swine flu patients, isolation wards have been set up at the district hospitals and health staff has been deployed for the purpose.

An advisory has been issued to the people to take necessary precautions and visit the hospital if they feel symptoms of influenza, cough and body ache.

Kullu district is a tourist place, where a large number of foreign and domestic tourists visit every year. Sushil Chander, Chief Medical Officer, Kullu, said “Keeping in view the spread of swine flu cases in different parts of the state, we have made preparations in advance for it at the district hospital. Special staff have been deployed for the purpose, but so far, no such case has been reported in the district.”

Jeevanand Chauhan, Chief Medical Officer, Mandi, said, “People are advised to avoid exposure to cold-climate conditions. In case of cough, influenza and body ache, one should visit the government hospital without any delay for medical treatment. We have also kept a stock of medicine for the treatment of H1N1.”

He said the test for the detection of swine flu is available only at the IGMC, Shimla, and Tanda medical college, Kangra.

He said there was no need to panic and people should follow advisory of the health authorities.