In Indore, fourth H1N1 death in 19 days

The death of a 44-year-old woman from H1N1 infection on Monday has put the health department on high alert in Indore. This is the fourth death of the year from H1N1 flu in the city.

The death of a 44-year-old woman from H1N1 infection on Monday has put the health department on high alert in Indore. This is the fourth death of the year from H1N1 flu in the city.

The health department officials met in Indore on Monday afternoon to discuss ways to prevent the spread of H1N1 infection and treatment options. The meeting focused on creating a link between organisations involved in fighting the flu, and providing the best possible medical treatment to patients.

Dr GL Sodhi, the in-charge of Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP), said: “This year has been a shocker compared to last year.” He said within 19 days, they registered four deaths, with two happening in a day’s gap. Dr Sodhi said there was adequate stock of Tami Flu, an anti-viral drug used to treat H1N1.

Doctors are linking the severe winter to the spurt in H1N1 cases. Dr Shiv Shankar Sharma, a senior health official, said the H1N1 virus became active as the temperature has been remaining low. Dr Sharma said people with low immunity were falling prey to the flu.

2015: 5 tested positive, 4 deaths

Bhopal
2014: 6 positive cases (3 in Bhopal, 1 in Vidisha and 2 in Sagar);
3 deaths in Bhopal, 1 in Vidisha and 1 in Sagar

2015: None