Councillors want measures to tackle rise in flu cases

Following a rise in fever cases over the past few days, councillors have demanded that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and other civic agencies check for water contamination in residential areas, and take proactive measures to prevent the spread of infections, particularly in crowded areas.

Ward 88 councillor G.V. Nagavalli in Ambattur zone said that 13 students belonging to the same class in a school in the area had reported fever and throat infection. “The students tested negative for dengue and malaria,” she said.

Ward 104 councillor T.V. Semmozhi said he had asked the GCC and Metrowater officials to check for water contamination, as around 50% of the cases at the Urban Primary Health Centre in his area reported throat infection on Tuesday. “Family members of MLAs and councillors have also been infected,” he said.

Senior paediatrician S. Perumal Pillai said that the rise in cases was predominantly due to the flu, in addition to possible water contamination. “Flu cases are common and seasonal. We advise masking, and a dose of influenza vaccine for children and senior citizens. It is better to avoid crowded markets and public spaces. Water contamination could be another reason,” he said.

Adambakkam resident Chanduru said his daughter had a bout of throat infection, following persistent fever over the past few weeks. “A few weeks ago, my daughter tested negative for dengue and malaria. But she did not go to school owing to persistent fever. After returning to school, she reported throat infection yet again,” he said.

Ambattur resident N. Chitra said four members of her family experienced sore throat in the past three days. Geetha Ganesh, Secretary of AGS Colony Residents’ Welfare Association, Velachery West, said that the number of cases had risen in some residential areas in the past few days, but the patients had tested negative for dengue and malaria. A few cases of typhoid were reported in some parts of the city, a few weeks ago.