International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine & Public Health

H1N1 Swine flu: An Experience in a district of Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Genetic re-assortments in the influenza virus have caused fast and unpredictable changes leading to recurrent epidemics of febrile respiratory disease. Surveillance is the foundation of all efforts to understand and control influenza. Effective case detection and treatment as per WHO guidelines is necessary to reduce the mortality.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to find the proportion of swine flu “cases” among the total suspects, to study their epidemiological profile and the various correlates affecting the outcome.

Material and Methods: A Cross-sectional study was carried out in 4 centres, identified as per Govt. guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of H1N1 cases in 1 year period (Oct’2009 to Sept’2010). Information was collected using predesigned proforma from 100% “suspects” of Influenza A admitted to isolation wards, after duly informing the patients.

Results: Out of total 466 “suspects”, 142 (30.47%) were found to be positive. M:F ratio of cases was 1.3:1. Maximum cases (47.18%) reported between >20 – 40 years of age group. 105 cases (73.94%) reported from Sangli district and 94 cases (66.20%) residing in rural area with most of them being admitted in the month Aug’2010 i.e. 229 (49.14%). The outcome of disease was poor in females compared to males. The duration of illness before hospitalization was longer and stay in the hospital was shorter in the cases who died.

Conclusions: Early case detection can reduce the burden of disease, so the health system should be strengthened and voluntary early reporting should be encouraged through various healthcampaigns. Special measures should be taken during pre-monsoon season to reduce the risk of transmission.

Author(s): J. D. Naik , Kriti A. Patel , S.S. Rajderkar , Kailas R Bhoye

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