A 13-month-old child in the Barak Valley of Assam has passed away as a result of an unusual spread of the H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu. In response to the incident and other additional H1N1 infection cases in the area, health officials have increased surveillance and public education initiatives.
The young victim's relatives admitted her to SK Roy Civil Hospital in Hailakandi on April 29 after she had a severe cough and fever, according to state health department officials. Her health quickly declined in spite of treatment; thus, on April 30, she was sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH). It was determined by further testing that the girl had caught the H1N1 virus.
Unfortunately, the girl died on the way home from SMCH after her family members disregarded medical advice and took her out of the facility. The principal of SMCH, Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, criticized the parents' lack of cooperation, pointing out that the hospital had the resources to handle such cases.
Health officials have increased their efforts to stop the virus's spread in the wake of this tragic death. The infant's home was visited by a team of experts to evaluate the situation, and district-wide surveillance has been increased. To detect and keep an eye on those exhibiting symptoms of the swine flu, frontline workers such as auxiliary nurse midwives (ANM) and accredited social health activists (ASHA) have been mobilized.
In the meantime, an 18-month-old infant in the Hailakandi district passed away from pneumonia. Tests later found H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in the child's body. Even though there are no pig farms or chickens in the area, health officials verified that the child died from the swine flu. To determine the scope of the outbreak, residents' and family members' blood samples are being taken.
There have been five cases of swine flu recorded in the Cachar area. The patients' ages range from 3 to 13. Local healthcare establishments have received orders from health officials to report any suspicious instances as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are crucial, according to Dr. Ashutosh Barman, Cachar's Joint Director of Health.
Even though the situation is still worrying, officials have warned the people not to panic and stressed the value of following preventive measures and seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Authorities are putting out a great effort, with cooperation from the community and medical professionals, to lessen the effects of the swine flu outbreak in the area.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
