With second death in 5 days, district in grip of swine flu

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 13

With the death of a patient suffering from H1N1 (swine flu) in a week, the lethal virus has gripped the district. In fact, a 56-year-old woman, who hailed from the Samana block, succumbed to the swine flu on late Saturday night. It is the second swine flu death during the last five days. 

 The deceased, who was admitted to the Government Rajindra Hospital on Thursday, breathed her last on Saturday night. On January 8, a 50-year-old woman from Patiala died due to the H1N1 virus at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh.

 Meanwhile, district health officials claimed to have disbursed Tamiflu tablets among relatives and others, who had come into contact of the deceased woman.

 District epidemiologist, Dr Gurmeet, said, “We have given medicines to all those, who came into contact of the deceased woman. The cremation of the deceased was held in accordance with the norms and clear instructions of the health authorities.”

 Until Sunday, out of the 14 suspected cases of swine flu, eight patients in the district tested positive for the disease. However, things are, purportedly, said to be under control, until the report was filed.

“If we compare it with other districts, Patiala is still in a better position. Besides, we have a sufficient stock of Tamiflu medicines, masks and other things, which are required as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of disease,” added Dr Gurmeet. 

 Officials of the Health Department said city residents had been advised to take care of personal hygiene and avoid any contact with person suspected to be suffering from the swine flu. An awareness about the virus and precautions would play a great role in curbing the spread of the disease, they added.

Report

• Suspected swine flu cases: 14
• Positive cases: Eight
• Deaths due to H1N1 virus: Two