With new cases of H1N1 reported in Wayanad, the health authority has intensified surveillance to curb the spread of the disease across the district. Isolation wards were opened for both the virus-infected and suspected persons at government hospitals.

An outbreak of the viral infection was reported in the district on Saturday, with four students of at Rajeev Gandhi Memorial Residential school, Noolpuzha were tested positive for the disease. Another 74 suspected cases were taken to the hospital for treatment. The medical authority launched a special camp and opened isolation wards in the school hostel to quarantine suspected persons. Around 58 students are now undergoing treatment at two isolation wards. In addition, all the 543 students and staff of the institution are also under medical observation.

District Medical Officer Dr R Renuka said all precautionary steps have been taken to prevent the spread of the virus infection and situation is now under the control. Isolation wards were set up in government hospitals and screenings tests are functioning in full swing, the DMO said.

"Medical officers are keeping special vigil at the school where the four positive cases were reported. "Among the 74 suspected cases, 58 students are now under the observation at the isolation wards in the hostel. Another 19 students were admitted to hospital for advanced treatment, while five students were discharged on Saturday," said the medical officer.

She added "to curb the spread of the virus among the hostel inmates, all the students who are showing the symptoms of Swine Flu were shifted to isolation wards. In addition, 200 masks were distributed to school staff who are initiating preventive steps. Students who returned to home are also under the observation of government hospitals in the respective areas ", said the medical officer.

Since January first, there has been 33 confirmed case of H1N1-including two deaths in the district. In addition, 33 suspected cases of the virus infection were also reported this year.