It's difficult to say Fahmida died only of swine flu: BMC Commissioner

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner said it was difficult to say the death of Fahmida Panwala, the country's second swine flu victim, was only due to H1N1 virus as she was also suffering from other diseases like diabetes.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner on Sunday said it was difficult to say the death of Fahmida Panwala, the country's second swine flu victim, was only due to H1N1 virus as she was also suffering from other diseases like diabetes.

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"It is difficult to say that Fahmida's death was only due to swine flu. She was already suffering from Diabetes and hypertension, which also could have been the cause of her death."

Fahmida Panwala (53), who was shifted to Municipal Kasturba Hospital from private Lilavati hospital in a critical condition on Friday night, died yesterday, becoming the metropolis' first swine flu victim.

Phatak also said persons who have a weak immune system are more liable to contract the virus.

"Persons with symptoms like cold, cough or fever should immediately get themselves checked by a doctor," he said.

Meanwhile, BMC's health officer Jairaj Thanekar said the Corporation would rope in private hospitals with a view to cope with the increasing number of swine flu cases in the city.