Swine Flu claims one; no need to panic, say experts
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 11 2015: A woman infected with Swine Flu and another woman suspected to be suffering from the same disease died at Shija Hospitals on Wednesday.

"The 35-year-old woman who tested positive for Swine Flu on March 5 last had died," Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing announced at a press meet held at the Secretariat conference hall.

Another woman, aged around 45 years, also suspected to be a case of H1N1 infection also died on Wednesday, the minister further added.

According to Phungzathang, five suspected cases of Swine Flu were altogether detected in the State out of which one had been confirmed.

Of the remaining three, one had been discharged from the hospital as the patient's condition was improving satisfactorily, he informed.

He said a person is undergoing treatment at RIMS Hospital and another at a private hospital.

Phungzathang said that the State Government has been taking up preventive measures against Swine Flu and isolated wards have been opened at RIMS Hospital, JNIMS Hospitals, all district hospitals and PHCs across the State.

Phungzathang Tonsing

"We've procured sufficient stock of Tamiflu, anti-Swine Flu vaccines and arranged all other requirements," he said.

The minister informed that the Government has provided all necessary items such as drugs, PPEs and masks to all hospitals and other health centres to treat and contain the disease.

He said the State Government was making efforts to set up district level monitoring cells to prevent spread of the disease.

Phungzathang cited that Swine Flu has claimed lives of around 1,300 people and nearly 20,000 persons have been infected by the virus so far in the country, adding that any person in the state infected with the virus will get around Rs 1.50 lakh under the Manipur State Illness Assistant Fund.

He assured the people that there is no need to panic but urged them to keep vigil and extend cooperation.

Phungzathang also urged everyone to observe cough etiquette, respiratory hygiene, frequent hand washing and consultation of medical doctors as part of contribution to the Government's effort to combat the scourge of Swine Flu.

Health Services Director O Ibomcha who was also present at the press meet said that the State Government has launched a probe to determine the facts regarding spread of Swine Flu in Manipur.

"The woman, who had died of the disease, had visited Sikkim a couple of months back.

There are also reports that she returned home as she fell sick there," he stated.

Principal Secretary (Health) Dr Suresh Babu was also present at the press meet.

Everyone needs to get vaccinated: Expert.

An awareness programe on Swine Flu was held at Shija Hospital on Wednesday during which experts said that "there is no need to panic" about the H1N1 virus.

Participating at the pogramme organized by Shija Hospital, Epidemiologist Dr Sachi of the Medical Directorate said Swine Flu is just like a cold, which is caused by influenza viruses spreading from human, pigs and birds.

Dr Sachi said that "there is no need to panic" about Swine Flu, but added that everybody needs to get vaccinated to prevent H1N1 virus.

He said ensuring availability of the vaccine is very important and informed that a person infected with the virus can be detected within three days.

The epidemiologist said frequent hand washing, avoiding repeated rubbing of face, using mask can help in protecting oneself from the disease in certain extent.

Shija Hospital managing director Dr Palin and Dr P Narendra also attended the programme.