5 cases of swine flu reported across city, 1 die

According to the Health Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), five new cases of the swine flu has been reported form the beginning of the month to May 11. Dr. Padmaja Keskar, city’s Executive Health Officer said that most of the swine flu cases have been reported in private hospitals.

Dr. Keskar said that as the H1N1 cases are increasing, a standard procedure should be followed for treating patients.

“We need to follow certain guidelines for treating a swine flu patient as cases are increasing and doctors should also know what are the standard operating procedure,” said Dr. Keskar.

A senior doctor of civic hospital said as most of the cases have been reported in the private hospital of the city for which we need to take various session of the doctors for curing the H1N1 patients. “More than 50 doctors from private hospitals of the city were called for a brainstorming session. They were made aware of the proper steps for treating swine flu patients,” added senior doctor.

Dr. Keskar further added, “Diarrhoea is the new symptom which is found in the case of swine flu patients and the mutation is common in patients suffering from H1N1.”

A senior doctor further stated that as a precaution, they have intensified screening and surveillance for all viral infections. “They are vaccinating high-risk groups, such as diabetics and people with high blood pressure,” said the senior doctor.

A senior civic hospital doctor said that many in the 21 patients diagnosed with H1N1 flu in Mumbai were in the paediatric age group.

Swine flu is a respiratory virus that was previously found in pigs. Over time, the virus mutated and infected humans.

A total of 26 swine flu cases have been reported by the civic body between January to May.

One death has been reported in month of April due to swine flu.