Kurnool district in the grip of swine flu

KURNOOL: People in Kurnool district are in the grip of swine flu. With medical tests and medicines for the disease not available in Kurnool district, people suffering from swine flu are being forced to got to Hyderabad for treatment. According to unconfirmed reports, about seven persons died of the disease in two weeks and 13 more, found to be suffering from its symptoms, are undergoing treatment in various hospitals in the district. Of the 15 people who died of swine flu in the state, seven belonged to Kurnool district and people fear it would become a hub of the disease.HEALTH OFFICIALS CRITICISED: There is criticism that the health officials are not taking necessary precautionary measures to check the spread of the disease.The officials should conduct screening tests, medical and awareness camps and campaign through various media about the steps to be taken for keeping away from the disease.They also need to sensitise people on personal hygiene and keeping the surroundings clean. But there seems to be not much effort of the officials in this connection.Patients in the Kurnool General Hospital are also worried of contracting swine flu as doctors have set up the swine flu ward in AMC Block where all other types of diseases are treated. “It would be better if they can set up the ward away from other patients,” feels M Navaneeta, a woman attending to an in-patient from Nandyal.A special committee was formed to check the spread of the disease but even this also seems to be of little use.DISEASE SPREADING FAST: Generally, swine flu is contracted while moving in rush areas. Thousands of people from Rayalaseema and Telangana districts visit Kurnool for various reasons making the bus and railway stations busy. There are chances for spread of the disease in such places.The C Camp area, near rythu bazar, in Kurnool is also an overcrowded place.