Swine flu deaths continue to rattle Indore, 5th reported

INDORE: With the death of a 37-year-old woman from Harda, number of casualties due to swine flu reached five on Monday night. The patient was detected with H1N1 virus only five days ago.
So far, six people have been confirmed swine flu positive by health department in the city this year. Eight people wait for their report to be confirmed by Jabalpur-based laboratory, where samples have been sent for confirmatory test.
MGM dean Dr Sanjay Dixit, however, feels the situation has not yet reached alarming proportions. “Sporadic cases are reported due to fluctuation in weather,” said Dixit, adding that he will be reviewing treatment given to virus suspected patients on Wednesday.
Sudden spurt in number of cases in city has put health department on its toes. It had recently issued notices to three city hospitals for not adhering to the guidelines meant for treatment of swine flu patients. Joint director (health), Dr Sharad Pandit, said, “Notices were issued as maximum number of flu-afflicted patients are admitted at these hospitals.”
Replying to a query, Dr Pandit said government had sanctioned an amount of Rs 30 lakh for setting up a regional laboratory in Indore two years. “I will look into the delay in setting up labs and expedite the process,” said Pandit.