Minister assuages fears as 282 Tamil Nadu children test positive for H1N1 virus

After inspecting the fever wards at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children(ICH) at Egmore in Chennai, the minister told reporters that 13 children were admitted to government hospitals, 215 to private hospitals, and 54 were in home isolation.

Stating that a total of 129 children were admitted for ICH for fever, he said none of them had been diagnosed with H1N1 influenza. Of the 129 cases, 121 are being treated for fever and eight for dengue.

The minister said 243 children were under treatment for dengue in the state, reiterating that there was no shortage of beds at ICH.

“The rise in the cases of seasonal flu is common after rains, and there is no need to panic. There were reports of unavailability of beds at ICH, which is completely baseless. Of the 637 children admitted for various treatments, only 129 are being treated for fever. Like in previous years, children reporting fever before the monsoon is usual,” he said.

He added that in the last two-three years, the impact of seasonal diseases was less due to the Covid-19 pandemic as there were lockdowns, masking, and physical distancing.

The number of cases was two-three times higher during 2017 and 2018 when compared to the current situation, he said.

The minister also said circulars had been issued to government hospitals on the management of children with fever, H1N1 influenza, and dengue.

“Pharmacies have been instructed not to sell medicines for fever without proper prescriptions, while private hospitals and laboratories should immediately notify cases of dengue and H1N1 to the respective district health authorities,” he said.