The authorities have sounded alert in Kashmir after swine flu caused two deaths in a premier health institute where 71 more patients have been tested positive for the deadly viral disease. An isolation ward is being set-up in Chest Disease hospital as the Valley is inadequately equipped to tackle the spread of influenza. “Two deaths have occurred in Kashmir Valley during the past two days due to the infection by H1N1 virus. 71 more patients have tested positive and are undergoing treatment,” Showkat Ahmad Zargar, Director of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) told reporters here.
A youngster in his early 30s and an elderly woman have died. “While the death of youngster is conformed to have occurred due to the virus, the woman had critical cardiac ailments besides H1N1 infection,” Zargar said.He said 275 out of 670 suspected patients have been tested at SKIMS but only 71 have tested positive. Director Health Services, Dr Salimurrahman asked people to be alert. “We have to be alert. We are monitoring it (influenza) and if we find more cases, then we would alert the Government,” he said.
The health department has issued advisories to the people asking them to take precautions to avoid infections. Dr Rahman said that the authorities must rethink over reopening schools should the virus continue spreading. The schools are reopening after an elongated winter break on February 24.