Two villagers die of swine flu in 10 days

Tribune News Service
Muktsar, January 28

Two people of Raniwala village in the Lambi Assembly segment have died due to swine flu in the past 10 days and one villager is undergoing treatment for the disease at Faridkot.

Several villagers have turned superstitious. A majority of people in the village either carry a pouch of herbs in their pocket or tie it to their body. Some people have drawn a line of ‘choona’ (limestone) at the entrance of their residences in an attempt to thwart the entry of any virus.

Gulzar Singh (45) died on January 18 and 35-year-old Harjit Singh died on January 26 due to the disease. Villagers informed that both lived in the same street. Jasvir Singh is presently admitted to a Faridkot hospital undergoing treatment for the disease.

Dr Ranju Singla, officiating Chief Medical Officer, Muktsar, said, “Two swine flu positive cases were detected at Raniwala village. One of them passed away, while the other was treated at Faridkot and discharged. He died two-three days after he was discharged, thus we can’t confirm the exact cause of death. If someone else from the village is getting treatment for swine flu, I will check it.”

She added, “We are however spreading awareness among people, holding medical camp as well. A camp was held in the village today itself.”

Total 3 deaths in Lambi 

As per the Health Department's records, five swine flu cases have been detected till date in the district. A four-year-old boy from Shamkhera village, which, too, falls in the Lambi Assembly segment, had also died due to swine flu on January 21.