Sambalpur: Swine flu recently claimed three lives – one each from Bargarh, Bolangir and Jharsuguda districts. The latest victim was Jalandhar Meher from Bardol village in Bargarh district who succumbed to this killer disease.
As per sources in VIMSAR, out of 52 patients who were admitted here with H1N1 symptoms, 24 were tested positive. And three of them reportedly died while undergoing treatment. Five swine flu patients are still under treatment, sources added.
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Apart from Sambalpur, people from Deogarh, Nuapara, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sundargarh largely depend on VIMSAR. Patients complaining symptoms of swine flu are swarming this premier health institution.
The number patients has reportedly outnumbered the number of beds.
VIMSAR has a special swine flu ward with 16 beds and a five-bedded ICU ward.
The increase in the number of swine flu patients is said to be because of lack of awareness.
According to Professor Dr Sudarshan Pothal, the virus is said to have taken a transformation this year. Hence the patients’ resistance power has come down to win over the virus, which is why there is an increase in the number of patients.
He suggested that only through measures like using handkerchiefs in case of sneezing and coughing, drinking a lot of water and taking ample food, taking rest and keeping off crowded places and consultation at right time, this disease can be avoided. PNN
