Swine flu claims one more life in Mumbai, death toll rises to 5

One more person has succumbed to swine flu in Mumbai, taking the toll to 5 this year.

The person, who succumbed to the H1N1 virus at the city's Kasturba hospital on Friday was 58-year-old man from Varanasi.

The swine flu patient was already on ventilator and suffered from Type I Respiratory Failure B/L Lobar Pneumonia since February 5.

Out of 23 people diagnosed with the deadly H1N1 virus from January 19, five deaths have been reported till date. While 13 patients are said to be coming from outside the periphery of Mumbai, 10 Mumbaikars have suffered from the virus.

Mangala Gomare, epidemiologist, MCGM said that the MCGM had sufficient means to tackle the disease and were taking necessary measures to contain the problem.

"Out of 13 patients that were from outside the city, two have already been cured and sent back home. Seven are taking treatment and two are stable. Four continue to be on ventilator," said Gomare.

H1N1 Preparedness by MCGM:

Daily Surveillance of ILI (influenza like illness) and SARI-like (severe acute respiratory infections) cases done. Details of Positive cases are immediately informed to MOH for contact tracing and rapid survey in the community.
1) Co-ordination and communication with private hospitals and Laboratory is established for immediate reporting of Positive H1N1 cases.
2) Oseltamivir is made available in Municipal Hospitals & Dispensaries.
3) Testing facility available in Kasturba Hospital, Haffkine Institute and private lab (SRL Religare).
4) Public Awareness: IEC material distributed in the community and also displayed in dispensaries and hospitals.
5) Helpline No 022-24114000
6) Contact tracing is done in positive case with rapid survey of the surrounding area for finding out further symptomatic cases