Friday, June 18, 2010

Central team concludes study

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An expert team deputed by the Centre to study the spread of influenza A (H1N1) in the State on Friday suggested that Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) tablets should be made available at the PHC level for treating the disease.

The team, which concluded its three-day tour of the disease-affected areas of Kollam and Thiruvananthpuram districts, told the media that it was happy to find that the tablet was available in sufficient numbers at a local public health centre at the tribal area of Peringamala (Thiruvananthapuram district), where there was an outbreak of the disease.

The team consisted of Sunil Gupta, Joint director of the National Centre for Disease Control, New Delhi; epidemiologist Pradeep Khasnobis; and senior research officer B.V. Tandale of the National Institute of Virology, Pune.

Mr. Gupta stressed that patients should seek treatment at the right time as early treatment was important for cure.

The disease was found to spread when there was high moisture content in the air. Temperature could also be a factor. The team would submit its report to the Centre soon.

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