Patiala man dies of swine flu

Patiala, February 17

In the first case of swine flu death of the season, a 72-year-old man of Badungar area in the city succumbed to the disease on Saturday. He was admitted to Government Rajindra Hospital on Friday.

Health officials claimed that the patient reported at the hospital after having taken treatment at some private clinic. They said they had given Tamiflu to the relatives and others who had come in contact with the deceased.

“The cremation was held in accordance with the norms and instructions of the health authorities. The body of the swine flu-infected patient was wrapped and taken by the health team to the cremation ground,” said an official. The department claims to have made proper arrangements in government hospitals to treat swine flu patients. District epidemiologist Dr Sumeet Singh said, “It was the first death due to swine flu in the district. Only four cases have been reported this season.” — TNS