State registers rise in H1N1, rat fever cases

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The number of patients with H1N1 and rat fever in the state is on the rise. As many as 15 people have been afflicted with H1N1 and 11 with rat fever according to the update on July 5.Two persons have been affected with dengue fever while three have been found to be afflicted with Malaria. Fever with shivering, headache, vomiting and sweating are the symptoms of malaria. Dengue has the symptoms of sudden high fever and severe headache, pain behind the eyes and nausea.The Health Services director has warned against washing and bathing in murky waters and has instructed the use of gloves and socks for animal caretakers and agricultural workers to prevent the spread of rat fever. They have also been directed to take a weekly preventive medicine, which is available at the primary health centres, free of cost. The symptoms of rat fever are high fever, headache, body ache, red eyes and muscle cramps.The preventive measures aimed at mosquito control include destruction of mosquito breeding spots such as broken vessels, bottles, coconut shells, tyre, garden pots, sheaths of plants, hollows of trees and even the coconut shells used for collecting rubber latex, which will collect water in them. To prevent the spread of epidemics, patients are advised to use handkerchiefs while coughing and sneezing.Those who have cold and cough are also advised complete rest at home.Pregnant women, affected with fever, should consult a doctor at the earliest and get the appropriate treatment. Those persons with kidney trouble, liver functioning problems and diabetes have also been advised utmost caution.