Swine flu claims another life

Another patient succumbed to swine flu in the state on Wednesday — the third in the state in the last 17 days. A resident of Jaunpur,Ram Shankar (38) was brought to the SGPGI late on Tuesday night in a critical condition. Tests confirmed later that he had swine flu. While Shankar’s contact history is yet to be traced by the medical officers,his record shows he stayed with his brother Kripa Shankar,a review officer in the Secretariat and a resident of Janakipuram.

The health department,however,maintains the situation is under control. “These deaths are sporadic and the situation is still not alarming. We have all the vaccines and medicines required. Rapid response team in all districts are active,” said Dr SA Rizvi,Nodal Officer,Swine Flu. “We do need more surveillance and steps are being taken for that as well.” With an increasing number of patients reporting to SGPGI,the institute is planning to set aside 5 to 10 beds with ventilators for swine flu patients. “At least five ventilators will be kept aside for swine flu patients and a dedicated ward will be opened for them like last year,” said Dr AK Bhatt,Chief Medical Superintendent of SGPGI.