Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak on Saturday said that the administration is focusing on tracking fever patients and ensuring availability of medication amid cases of H1N1 in several states.

Pathak held a meeting via video conference and directed officials at the Health Department headquarters amid high alert in view of H1N1 cases.

The health minister told reporters in Lucknow, "A high-level meeting regarding H1N1, a viral fever, is currently underway at the Directorate of Health Services in Lucknow. The meeting is addressing the sudden surge in fever patients across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Western UP and Lucknow, with a focus on tracking these patients and ensuring the availability of medication. Instructions have been issued to arrange admission to higher-level medical institutions for tertiary care should the need arise, and the entire state has been placed on high alert."

He assured the public of adequate supply of medicines, urging people not to panic.

Pathak said, "There is an adequate supply of medicines, and any responsible official wishing to go on leave may do so only with government approval. Comprehensive preparations are in place. There is no cause for panic; nevertheless, we have kept the entire state on alert to combat this seasonal fever, and our government is prepared for any situation."

"Regarding casualties, one case was reported. However, an audit of the patient's medical history revealed that their blood pressure was extremely low (80/50 mmHg) upon arrival. The patient subsequently passed away due to heart failure after being admitted to the ICU at Balrampur Hospital. Even so, we have emphasised the need for vigilance to ensure that we can handle any situation that arises," he added.

On Friday, CM Yogi Adityanath issued strict directives to State officials to maintain continuous surveillance as swine flu cases start to register.

CM Yogi instructed all District Magistrates (DMs) and concerned officials to remain highly vigilant and ensure that hospitals are equipped with adequate preparedness and necessary arrangements.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the public not to ignore swine flu symptoms under any circumstances and to undergo required medical testing in a timely manner for early detection and treatment.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a public health advisory on the seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, during the monsoon, urging people not to self-medicate with antibiotics and antivirals and advising immediate medical attention in case of severe symptoms.

The IMA said India is witnessing a seasonal increase in H1N1 cases, with metropolitan centres such as Delhi recording more than 1,770 laboratory-confirmed cases, alongside cases reported in Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.

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H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In some cases, particularly among vulnerable groups, influenza can lead to serious complications.