Two women have died of A(H1N1) influenza in a private hospital here in the last three days.
With this, the number of A(H1N1) deaths in Hubli-Dharwad this year has touched three. A youth had died of the flu two months ago in Dharwad.
Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) Health Officer Prabhu Biradar told The Hindu on Thursday that a 65-year-old woman, a resident of Keshwapur, who was tested positive for A(H1N1) died in the hospital on Thursday. She was admitted to the hospital with complaints of fever and cough.
Dr. Biradar said that a 35-year-old pregnant woman, a resident of Mantur Road here, was admitted to the hospital with complaints of fever 10 days ago. Tests confirmed that she had A(H1N1). She delivered a stillborn baby after which her condition became serious. The woman, who was on ventilator support, died on Tuesday night.
According to Department of Health and Family Welfare authorities, 17 cases of A(H1N1) have been reported in the district since January. Three persons have died of the flu. Ten patients from other districts who were suffering from the flu had received treatment in Hubli hospitals, they said.
Dr. Biradar said that people need not panic over the A(H1N1) deaths here. The flu could be prevented by taking precautionary measures such as covering ones nose and mouth with a handkerchief while sneezing, regularly washing hands with soap and by maintaining personal hygiene. Those with symptoms of the flu should consult a doctor immediately, he added.
