First Swine Flu Death in Amirstar Sets Alert Over the State

The health authorities in Amritsar are set on alert across the state after the first death due to swine flu in the state.

The government as well as private hospitals have been requested to ensure isolated wards and adequate staff to deal with such patients.

Dr Chauhan, district epidemiologist said that what had baffled the medical fraternity in the city was that the patient had no known history of travel to any area affected by swine flu or any interaction with suspected patients. However, he added that the patient's kin had failed to provide proper information about her itinerary and interactions.

"Four of her relatives reported symptoms of swine flu, but they were tested negative. They were administered precautionary treatment," he said.

He added that a survey by the animal husbandry department had not traced any signs of the disease in the animals in Amritsar.

Health minister Surjit Kumar Jayani, however, said government hospitals had enough medicines and that there was no need to panic. Private hospitals have also been asked to stay alert.

Dr.Parwinder Singh Sidhu, said, "So far no patient with such symptoms has come in our hospital but we have enough medicines and an isolated ward ready. Swine flu is communicable."

The Health Minister asserted that the health services are geared up to deal with swine flu patients. The symptoms of the swine flu affected patients included fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, vomit and problem in breathing. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should immediately report at nearest government health centre.

Source: Medindia