13 people diagnosed with infection in the past one week There seems to be no let-up in H1N1 (influenza) cases in Kozhikode district as more people are found to be seeking treatment for the disease in the past one week. The Health Department had issued an alert on April 17 in the district in view of the rise in number of the viral infection since January. The number, however, seems to be rising. Though only 12 cases were reported from the district till April 17, another 13 people have been diagnosed with the infection in the past one week. According to the data released by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, five more cases were reported on April 18, seven on April 24 and one case on April 25. Since January, there had been 56 cases and three deaths. Additional District Medical Officer Asha Devi told The Hindu on Thursday that the number of cases was higher compared with the previous year in the district. However, she claimed that the situation was under control as no severe cases had been reported so far. “Those who have cold and fever should avoid travelling, take rest and seek proper treatment. Extra care is being given to high-risk groups such as infants and pregnant women,” she added. Throat and nasal swabs of suspected people are sent to the virology lab attached to the Government Medical College, Alappuzha, and the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram. Symptoms Cold, fever, cough, muscle cramps, sore throat, body pain, shivering, and exhaustion are some of the symptoms of the airborne-viral infection. The virus can spread through the use of handkerchiefs and clothes of the infected people. It could be fatal for those with low immunity levels. Unprotected coughs and sneezes might lead to transmission of the virus and crowded enclosed spaces could also be a source. Since January, 56 cases and three deaths reported Those who have cold and fever asked to avoid travelling