Swine flu claims life of 3-yr-old boy

Zirakpur, September 5

A three-year-old boy from Zirakpur became a victim of swine flu in the first such death reported from the town this year. The boy was admitted to the PGI in a critical condition on August 24 and was put on a ventilator. The vicitm’s throat swab samples were sent for testing and the report confirmed the H1N1 infection.

The boy’s condition deteriorated further and he succumbed to the virus at the PGI on September 3, said the health authorities. Sources said the family was advised to take the body with a proper wrapping to the cremation ground directly for the last rites.

The health authorities said the boy had reported fever and showed symptoms of the flu on August 13 and was getting treatment at a private clinic in Zirakpur.

When his condition started deteriorating, his family members shifted him to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16,Chandigarh, where he underwent treatment till August 23. Rita Bhardwaj, Civil Surgeon, Mohali, said, "This is the first swine flu-related death in Zirakpur town. We are taking stock of the situation and have ordered several preventive measures to be implemented in the area." She issued an advisory requesting people not to visit crowded areas and cover their face while sneezing and coughing. So far, five cases of swine flu have been reported from Zirakpur. — OC