With the H1N1 virus claiming the life of a 27-year-old pregnant woman at Maranadu in Kollam district of Kerala, the health authorities have put on alert the state, which is already reeling under the shadow of a dengue epidemic.
Simi Mol, who died on Firday, had reported to a hospital with fever and cold on May 26.
Getting ready to combat the disease, the government is taking steps to stock all hospitals with the anti-viral drug Oseltamivir, known to slow down the spread of the influenza virus between cells of the host.
“Earlier, only district hospitals used to stock these medicines. Now all centres, including primary health centres, have been asked to check their availability and inform us if additional stocks are required,” said Dr Amar Fettle, nodal officer for H1N1 in the state.
Health workers in the state have been directed to give special attention to high-risk groups, including pregnant women, those with liver and kidney diseases, those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation and patients who are under situations where resistance is on the lower side.