Swine flu claims fourth victim in the Capital

A 44-year-old woman from West Delhi died of swine flu on Monday, taking the total number of deaths due to the H1N1 virus to four in just seven days.

Charan Singh, Additional Director in-charge of Public Health, Health Department, said, “The woman was undergoing treatment for various ailments and was detected with swine flu recently. She suffered from uncontrolled diabetes and breathlessness which further aggravated her condition. She was in an extremely critical condition.”

Last week, a 38-year-old woman from Uttam Nagar succumbed to swine flu at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, while a man from East Delhi died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

With seven new cases reported on Monday, the total number of swine flu cases this year stand at 47.

“Till last week the figure stood at 40,” said a senior official from the Delhi Health Department.

“Last year, we had 38 cases and no deaths. In 2013, we had 1,511 cases and 16 deaths. The worst was in 2009 and 2010 when the total number of cases crossed several thousands,” Mr. Singh said.

He added that the Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and has completed the orientation programme of the staff of all the 22 designated hospitals, including five private hospitals, and directed them to follow the standard operating procedure for treatment of swine flu.

People infected with swine flu can pass the infection to others a day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. (With inputs from PTI)

‘The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and has completed the orientation programme of the staff of all the 22 designated hospitals’