H1N1 cases on the rise in parts of Shivamogga

SHIVAMOGGA: After Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), residents of Nagara hobli in the Hosanagara taluk are in the grip of H1N1 virus.
Locals alleged that H1N1 positive cases are on the rise in their area. They also alleged that a woman died of H1N1 fever at a private hospital in Udupi district but health department authorities denied any H1N1 deaths in the area.
Officials said they have taken up all the precautionary measures and are holding awareness drives in the entire hobli .
According to residents, since the past 10 days, several people in Mudugolla (Nagara) have been tested positive for H1N1. Many were rushed to Thirthahalli government hospital and a private hospital in Udupi district for treatment.
According to sources, between January 1 and February 19, as many as 23 H1N1 positive cases were reported from Shivamogga district. But no deaths were reported due to the virus.
Meanwhile, incidents of monkey deaths have continued in the local forest. GP member BY Ravindra said that on Saturday morning a forester called him informing the death of a monkey.
Speaking to TOI, Dr Nagesh, district health officer, said there is no need to panic. “We have taken all precautionary steps. On Saturday we carried out an awareness drive in Mudugoppa (Nagara). We have enough stock of medicines,” he said.