Date:08/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/08/stories/2009110854960400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Focus on checking spread of A(H1N1) flu in Coimbatore

Special Correspondent

— Photo: K. Ananthan

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine S. Elango (second from right), chairing a meeting of health officials and representatives of private hospitals in Coimbatore on Saturday.

COIMBATORE: The State government and its Department of Public Health are focussing on checking the spread of A(H1N1) influenza in Coimbatore as clusters of positive cases are being reported in the city, Director of Public Health S. Elango said here on Saturday.

Coimbatore was a “problem zone.” The situation was under control in Chennai. Non-adherence to World Health Organisation’s guidelines on patient isolation was a major reason for the spread, he told reporters ahead of a meeting with health officials and doctors of private hospitals to work out a strategy.

This was the second review in nine days of the situation in Coimbatore by a State-level health authority. Health Secretary V.K. Subburaj had reviewed the situation here on October 30. “Hospital quarantine is compulsory and house quarantine is banned. People should understand that this is for their safety,” he said. The spread was contained in Chennai.