Swine flu claims fourth victim, seven new cases reported

NEW DELHI: The national capital today recorded the fourth death due to swine flu with a 44-year-old woman from West Delhi succumbing to the H1N1 virus at a private hospital.

"The woman was undergoing treatment for various ailments and was detected with swine flu recently. She suffered from uncontrolled diabetis and breathlessness which further aggravated her condition. She was in an extremely critical condition," said Charan Singh, Additional Director in-charge of Public Health, Health department.

Also, seven new cases were reported today, taking the total figure to 50 so far this year.

The affected include a 18-year-old woman (Dakshinpuri) undergoing treatment at Safdarjung, a 34-year-old woman (Brijpuri) treated at Lady Hardinge, a 45-year-old woman (Patel Nagar) admitted at RML and 59-year-old man (Laxmi Nagar) treated at Holy Family hospital. All of them tested positive for swine flu at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Others include a 37-year-old woman (Kirti Nagar), 81-year-old man (Defence Colony) and 19-year-old man from Sidharth Ext. They are being treated in private hospitals.

Keeping in view the rising number of cases, the health department has procured 1,000 capsules of Tamiflu to combat the disease and would be stocking up more medicines from time to time.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. All the designated hospitals have been put on alert and directed them to follow the standard operating procedure for treatment of swine flu," a Health Department official

Last year, 38 cases of swine-flu and zero deaths were reported in Delhi.

The infected people can pass the infection to others a day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.