Nothing to be worried about H1N1 in Kerala: Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 18 (IANS) Even as many states in the country are facing the deadly H1N1 virus that has affected numerous people, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Wednesday said there was no need for any worry and "things are under constant watch".

"We have stocks of the prescribed medicines and will again double-check to see that we have enough stocks. At the moment, there is no need for any worry on the H1N1 front," said Chandy.

He, however, pointed out that 'monkey fever' has been reported in the hilly district of Wayanad and five people have died.

"Thirty people are now infected with the ailment and the state health authorities are monitoring the situation closely. We have also sanctioned additional funds to the tune of Rs.3.5 million for immediate assistance," said the chief minister.

In 2012, the H1N1 virus had hit Kerala and since then, the state government and health authorities have been doing a lot of sanitation works ahead of the monsoon as the virus had spread during this particular season.

Meanwhile, Chandy has personally written to all the heads of the more than 1,200 local bodies to ensure that they take effective steps in managing the solid waste as it has been found that improper waste management has led to the spread of communicable diseases.

He has directed all the 14 district collectors to ensure that a proper sanitation drive is conducted in each and every ward of the state and has sanctioned a sum of Rs.25,000 for each ward for the clean-up.