Swine flu strikes Kerala: 13-year-old boy in Malappuram succumbs to H1N1 influenza virus

“The timeline of the illness progression in Gokul’s case involved him developing a fever on Friday, experiencing mild symptoms on Saturday, and seeking treatment at a local primary health centre. He was prescribed antibiotics but his condition worsened on Sunday, leading to drowsiness,” Dr Shubin explained to South First.

Subsequently, he was taken to the Taluk Hospital in Kuttippuram where a paediatrician treated him and he showed signs of improvement by midnight. However, the following morning around 4 am, Gokul developed a high-grade fever. Upon examination, his oxygen saturation levels were found to be low and he was referred to another facility.

“While being transferred by ambulance, he suffered seizures and ultimately passed away, despite the efforts of emergency technicians and doctors to revive him,” said Dr Shubin.

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H1N1 influenza

H1N1 or swine flu is a subtype of influenza A virus. H1N1 is primarily transmitted between humans through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It shares similarities with seasonal influenza in terms of symptoms, which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

The disease primarily affects children, particularly those under 14 years of age, and presents with symptoms such as headache and fever. It is a time-sensitive condition, often escalating within 24 hours.

“While district hospitals have intensive care units (ICUs), most cases are initially seen in primary health centres (PHCs) and secondary health centres. From there, patients are referred for immediate care, although delays in reaching appropriate facilities can occur,” stated Dr Shubin.

Gokul’s blood and saliva samples were sent to the Virology Institute in Alappuzha for analysis and the findings were reported on Thursday.

Also Read: A look at how H3N2 influenza is different from Covid

Spread of the infection

“People should exercise caution in order to avoid contracting the H1NI virus,” cautioned District Medical Officer Dr K Renuka.

“It can spread by droplets of exhaled breath. People nearby those who are coughing, sneezing, or talking can catch the virus from the afflicted individual. Therefore, to stop the spread of the illness, people who have a fever, cough, sore throat, cold, or body ache should stay indoors,” she told South First.

She also suggested the use of masks to protect oneself from airborne sickness, especially for the elderly, children, and individuals with comorbidities.

Dr Shubin said that In the past six months, there have been 20 confirmed cases of H1N1, including Gokul’s, along with 14 suspected cases in Malappuram. Additionally, cases of encephalitis and H3N2 are also prevalent, although no isolates could be obtained for testing.

“The rapid progression of these illnesses within 24 to 48 hours made it challenging to collect samples during those critical periods,” informed Dr Shubin.

Also Read: Here’s what doctors say about sudden increase in infections

Numbers of the state

During this period, Kerala has witnessed a significant number of individuals seeking medical assistance for fever. Over 13,000 people have sought treatment for fever and flu-like symptoms.

On Thursday, specifically, 13,490 individuals visited hospitals due to fever and flu-like symptoms and, out of those, 163 required hospitalisation for further care.

Based on official statistics, on 18 June, a total of 4,985 people in the state sought treatment for fever. Among them, 63 individuals were admitted to hospitals.

Among the admitted patients, the highest number was recorded in Ernakulam with 35 cases, while Malappuram reported the highest overall number of cases, with 2,051 individuals affected with fever and flu-like symptoms.