Swine flu: 4 new cases reported, 37 samples sent for testing

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 28: Four new cases of swine flu were reported in the last 24 hours while 37 more swab samples of suspected patients were sent today to New Delhi for testing.
According to Director Health Jammu, BS Pathania, a total of 22 reports were received today from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi, of which four turned out to be positive for H1N1 while five were found positive for H3N2 (Common Flu).
“With this, the number of H1N1 virus patients in Jammu region has surged to 22”, he said adding three people have so far lost their lives due to the deadly virus.
He further disclosed that the department today sent 37 more samples of suspected swine flu patients to NCDC for testing. “Of these 37 samples, 21 were collected at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu while 11 were collected at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital, Jammu, where a new collection centre was started today”, he added.
Dr Pathania said besides this, a 12-bedded Isolation Ward has also been established at new block of Pediatric Ward, where a special flu OPD is also running.
“At Flu OPD of GMCH, a total of 122 patients were screened out of which three suspected swine flu patients were admitted in Isolation Ward created at Chopra Nursing Home”, Medical Superintendent, GMCH said. He further disclosed that as on date 21 suspected patients are admitted at Isolation Ward of the hospital while six patients were discharged after their condition improved.
Meanwhile, Resident Doctors’ Association, GMCH and Associated Hospitals, Jammu has threatened the GMCH administration of going on indefinite strike if adequate and efficient security is not provided to all Resident doctors in GMCH and Associated Hospitals by 4 pm of March 2.