First swine flu case reported in Doon

Dehradun: A 62-year-old man, from Kaulagarh, diagnosed H1N1 positive was admitted to a city-based private hospital on Tuesday. The health department confirmed that the patient’s condition is critical and he is being monitored by doctors.

Speaking to TOI, Dehradun’s chief medical officer Dr SK Gupta said that the patient got the H1N1 test done in New Delhi and was admitted to a hospital in Dehradun on Tuesday. “The doctors and paramedics across the city have been asked to keep track of the suspected cases of H1N1 and inform the health department on daily basis,” added the CMO.

Dr Gupta urged people to take preventative measures to combat the disease. “Swine flu is a form of influenza which is curable but the virus can prove fatal for diabetic patients, children, and the elderly. Thus, I advise people to go for treatment as soon as the symptoms of the disease are detected and avoid contact with people to check its spread. One should immediately consult a doctor in case of prolonged fever and breathlessness,” he added.

According to data provided by the state health department, the total number of swine flu positive cases in Uttarakhand was 548 till March 30 2019. At least 38 people succumbed to the disease in state. Among the total cases, the maximum 519 were reported from Dehradun, followed by Haridwar (26), and Udham Singh Nagar (2).