Swine flu claims 3 lives in Nashik

The sudden change in weather has led to an outbreak of various diseases, with a resurgence of swine flu. In Nashik, three persons, died within 24 hours, reportedly after contracting the H1N1 virus.

This has come as a dampener for those in the midst of Ganpati celebrations in Nashik city and rural areas. Signs of this disease had begun manifesting in July itself, but evidently, no serious cognisance was taken by the authorities. In July, 20 died of symptoms that mimicked H1N1, while over 100 were detected with swine flu symptoms.

In the civil hospital, 18 are being treated of swine flu, while across the district, 35 patients are being treated for the same. After the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) lifted curbs on sale of swine flu medicines, chemists have begun receiving stocks. Civil hospitals have received more than 40,000 Tamiflu pills and rural hospitals too have been stocked with the medicine.

The administration has asked citizens to avoid crowded places and seek medical help immediately in case of mild cold, cough and throat irritation.

Doctors have been asked to put patients on preventive medical treatment in suspected cases of swine flu.

The health minister and director of public health visited Nashik a fortnight ago and had reviewed the situation. They had also notified the local administration, but the exercise seems to have been in vain, after the number of cases and deaths reported. It is now left to people to exercise caution.