In another incident of death due to swine flu in the national Capital region, a 42-year-old woman from Uttam Nagar succumbed to the H1N1 virus at a private hospital. It is the second case of swine flu death in NCR and the first case in Delhi.
The first case of swine flu was reported in Gurgaon when a Faridabad-based 32-year-old woman tested positive for the disease, was admitted to a Government-run civil hospital.
Charan Singh, Additional Director in-charge of Public Health, Health department said that the woman died on Tuesday evening while undergoing treatment at a private hospital, but her death was reported on Wednesday. Additionally, eight fresh cases of swine flu were reported Wednesday, taking the total figure to 22 so far this year.
“Three women, aged 66 (Madangir), 33 (Sangam Vihar) and 23 (Greater Kailash I) along with five men aged 48 (JNU campus), 71 (laxmi Nagar), 57 (Rajouri Garden), 62 (Masjid Moth of South Delhi) and 24 (Chhattarpur) have tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu) virus,” said Singh.
The 33-year-old woman and the 24-year old man were found to be positive for H1N1 virus after tests were conducted at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and are undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. The remaining six were tested in private labs and are being treated in private hospitals.
With 14 cases reported this year, the total figure has gone up to 66 since last year. According to Health experts, number of swine flu cases may rise as the disease spreads through the air and not via a vector, as in dengue.
“Elderly people, diabetics, those with kidney problems, cancer patients and pregnant women are at risk and thus should get themselves vaccinated and take common precautions like washing hands properly, avoiding crowded places and wearing masks,” a Health department official said.
“H1N1 influenza spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing or through touch. The medicine generally prescribed for the disease is Tamiflu, which must be taken only after doctor’s prescription,” the official said.
Meanwhile, Health department Secretary has started an orientation programme for the staff of all the 22 designated hospitals including five private hospitals.