4 cases already this year from Mohali

Pavneet Singh Chadha

Tribune News Service

Mohali, February 13

Mohali district has already recorded four positive cases of swine flu so far this year with two patients dying of the disease.

The deceased included a two-year-old girl from Boothgarh, who died of the virus in January, and a 40-year-old man from Gharuan, who died due to H1N1 yesterday.

The other two positive cases were those of a 40-year-old woman from Mohali and a two-year-old boy from Gharuan.

Two cases have been reported from Gharuan. Sources said one of the patients had recently travelled to Thailand and could have contracted the virus there.

In the past five years, Mohali district had recorded the highest number of swine flu cases in 2017 with 46 testing positive and nine deaths reported. Infants below the age of five and people above the age of 55 are more susceptible to contracting the virus. Last year, more than half of the positive cases (22) were those of infants and the elderly. People suffering from chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer are also at a risk.

Officials of the Health Department said the swine flu cases had seen a spurt due to the weather and variation in the gene of the virus.

“The swine flu virus typically spreads in the winter season from November to March. This is the same strain (Michigan) as last year. But, we are awaiting more information” said an official.

The official said in veiw of the sudden upsurge in swine flu cases, the department was taking preventive measures and spreading awareness.

“We have isolation wards and flu corners for screening and segregation of patients. Sufficient stock of Tamiflu capsules is available. We have issued guidelines for prevention of swine flu and creating awareness about it,” the official said.