Four more test positive for swine flu in Chandigarh

After the fresh cases came to light, the UT health department has put all hospitals on alert.

With four more patients testing positive for swine flu on Wednesday, the total number of cases reported in the city this year has reached 18.

Health officials said their condition is stable. (HT File/Representative image)

Three of these patients have died of the respiratory infection — caused by the H1N1 strain of the influenza virus — in the past three weeks. Those who tested positive include a 35-year-old man from Sector 24, a 44-year-old man from Sector 18 and a 35-year-old woman from Sector 52. They are undergoing treatment at city’s government hospitals.

Health officials said their condition is stable. After the fresh cases came to light, the UT health department has put all hospitals on alert.

“All city hospitals have been asked to keep a close watch on patients with flu-like symptoms,” said anti-malaria officer Dr Gaurav Aggarwal. The hospitals are also to report to the nodal officer daily, for timely action.

Last year, six swine flu cases were reported in the city, though there was no casualty.