Sandeep Mishra
PostNews Network
Bhubaneswar: Health experts are battling an unusual phenomenon. The threat of swine flu continues to plague the state despite the rise in temperature, causing much concern in medical circles.
After the outbreak of swine flu in 2009, the World Health Organisation had declared the deadly disease a seasonal influenza that occurs commonly during winter. However, this has not been the case this year.
The virus is thrives during winter because of the low temperature. This year, it continues to thrive even after winter has ended because of the frequent fluctuation in temperature, said Shantanu Kar, director Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) here.
“Summer is not as harsh this time as it usually is and this has led to a condition that allows the virus to grow and attack,” said Kar.
Since the first case of swine flu was reported in the state January, RMRC has been acting as a referral laboratory for the testing of the virus. The centre has tested around 230 swab samples and found 44 positive cases. As many as eight persons have died in the state after being afflicted with the virus. Of the total, 31 positive cases and three deaths were reported from the beginning of March to mid-April.
The virus still persists despite the mercury starting to rise in the beginning of March and crossing the 40 degree Celsius mark at many places. “The virus usually is unable to thrive beyond temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius. However, this time the situation is quite unusual. Researchers are trying to ascertain the reasons for this,” said Kailash Das, the director of public health.
The flu was first reported in 1918 and again in 1969 when health experts have found that the virus did not cause fatalities. However, in 2009, the virus made a comeback in a far deadlier form, revealed experts.
What is of greater concern is that RMRC has found not only H1N1 virus, but also H2N3, which is deadlier. “In the swab samples tested, we have found both H1N1 and H2N3 viruses. We have suggested that the health department and other institutions ensure that they are well equipped with vaccines and other material needed for the treatment of those afflicted by these viruses,” said Kar.
People have become aware about the viruses and are using masks and taking other precautionary measures that could help to a large extent. However, people with prolonged respiratory problems, diabetes and lung-related ailments should be more cautious as the chance of morbidity is greater in their case, said experts.