Swine flu threat: Two deaths reported in district so far

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 8

Two deaths have been reported in the district due to swine flu so far, however, the health authorities are reluctant to confirm the third death yet. 

The absence of staff to operate the ventilators and treat patients at the Civil Hospital leaves the poor patients bewildered and in a lurch. On Saturday, two more swab tests were tested negative.

On Thursday, patient Harpreet Kaur (35) of Mehraj village, was suspected of suffering from swine flu, and she is under treatment at a hospital in Ludhiana. 

Till date, about 12 samples have been sent for swine flu test. 

Unlike last year, the Health Department has maintained complete stock of tamiflu medicine at the community and primary health centres. Tamiflu medicine is given to confirmed as well as suspected patients of swine flu.

On Thrusday morning, a 29-year-old woman resident of Goniana, took her last breath at Fortis Hospital in Ludhiana. 

The family of the patient claimed that after minor cough, they took her to Cygnus Hospital from where she was referred to Max Hospital. 

The patient was further referred from Max Hospital to Ludhiana where she breathed her last.

Epidemiologist Dr Rajpal said, “Two deaths have been reported, including one from Goniana. The other patient who died in Bathinda belonged to Mansa. Till now, about four cases have been reported positive while 12 samples have been taken for swab test. We believe only in the reports of PGIMER.”

Amit Goyal, husband of Pooja Goyal, said, “We carried the patient from one private hospital to another but in vain.”

Taking preventive steps, the health authorities in the district have given training to ANMs (auxiliary nursing midwives) and paramedical staff on methods and precautions in swine flu cases. 

Besides, the ANMs have also been instructed to disseminate necessary information about the precautions to be taken by public to prevent the H1N1 virus. 

Many rapid response teams have been constituted at the block level to act immediately in case of swine flu, besides creating awareness among the masses. 

These teams reach the houses of affected patients and provide them tamiflu medicine, besides conducting formal survey of the family members of patients.

Dr Rajpal Singh said, “We have all the facilities to deal with patients of swine flu, including medicines and masks. Children, pregnant women and people with medical problems such as chronic lung disease, asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression or with weak immune system and adults with obesity are more prone to swine flu as they lack strong immunity.”