A panic like situation threatens to grip Kerala with 16 deaths in a single month alone due to H1N1. Monsoons have only added to the woes of the situation. Of these, nine of the death cases belonged to pregnant women. In a swift reaction, the centre has formed a three member team to be sent to Kerala.
 
The H1N1 pandemic has witnessed an upward trend due to the monsoon season. Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts continue to be the worst affected. The rainy season has sent the pandemic statistics to an escalated level. 201 confirmed cases have been reported so far.
 
The central team formed for H1N1 consists of Dr Sunil Gupta, Dr Pradeep Khasnobis and Dr B V Tandale. The members of the panels hold distinguished positions in their respective arenas. Dr Sunil Gupta holds the post of Joint Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi while Dr Pradeep Khasnobis is a renowned Epidemiologist with NCDC. Dr B V Tandale is associated as a Scientist with the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
 
Apart from forming the central team, Centre has approved State’s request for additional supplies of medicines to combat the flu. The supply includes six lakh Oseltamivir tablets, 20,000 bottles of paediatric syrup and 31,000 doses of ‘Sanafu’. High quantity of Sanafu vaccine were requested keeping in view the high incidence of deaths observed in pregnant women. “We have requested one lakh doses of Sanafu vaccine, which is recommended as safe for use among pregnant women and children.” informed Manoj Joshi, Health Secretary (Health and Family Welfare).
 
However there is a decision impending on the administration of vaccine for H1N1 in pregnant women. The State government has pointed out that the clinical trials conducted by Zydus Cadila did not include pregnant women as subjects. The inactivated pandemic influenza vaccine of Sanofi Pasteur has however been administered to pregnant women in other countries. These include Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. The matter is pending with High Power Committee under the Secretary (HR) for decision.
 
The state is observing strict vigilance and taking appropriate steps to control the epidemic. This is in anticipation of the monsoon season that would last over the next two to three months.