One more tests positive

One more person tested positive for the H1N1 virus on Sunday, a day after Mira-Bhayander resident Rekha Shah (52) died of swine flu related complications at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim.

One more person tested positive for the H1N1 virus on Sunday, a day after Mira-Bhayander resident Rekha Shah (52) died of swine flu related complications at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim.

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Shah’s pregnant daughter-in-law, Bijal (25), who also tested positive for the virus, is under observation at Kasturba Hospital, Chinchpokli. “Her condition is stable. We are closely monitoring her as she is five months into her pregnancy,” said Dr G.T. Ambe, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s executive health officer.

Infected pregnant women are more prone to developing complications arising from the flu.

Shah’s death has taken the swine flu toll in Mumbai and the peripheral area to 35 since May 2009, when the virus hit India. Shah was admitted to Sai Siddhi Hospital in Mira-Bhayander with high fever on June 12. She was shifted to Hinduja hospital after her condition deteriorated.

Although the rains are creating a favourable environment for the H1N1 virus to multiply, there is no need to panic, said Dr Pradeep Awate from the state influenza control cell. “Many have already developed immunity to the virus and we are better prepared to tackle it now,” he said.