Swine flu deaths this year break all past records

Ludhiana: Fifty cases and 15 deaths of swine flu have been reported from Ludhiana district from January this year to the present, breaking all records of the past years. Not only this, among all the districts of Punjab, the maximum cases have been reported from Ludhiana district.

Due to change in strains of the virus, swine flu is now not limited to the winter season. In fact, more cases have been reported in summer from July onwards than in the winter months of January and February. It is the first time that swine flu is being reported in summer. The data taken from the health department shows that from the past two years, maximum cases have been reported in 2017. In 2015, 39 positive cases were reported and five deaths; while in 2016, 29 positive cases and seven deaths were reported; and in 2017, 50 cases till now have been reported, with 15 deaths.

The number of cases are not only more from Ludhiana district for the past two years, but also among all other districts, cases are maximum from Ludhiana, said state epidemiologist Dr Gagandeep Singh, adding: “So far, from the entire state, 128 cases have been reported, and 28 deaths. Among this, 50 cases and 15 deaths are from Ludhiana district alone. After Ludhiana, the maximum number of cases reported are from Mohali, Patiala, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur.

District epidemiologist Dr Divjot Singh said: “Self-prevention and taking precautionary measures is the best thing anyone should do. Precautionary measures include boosting the immunity level, and avoiding going to crowded places. Now, we are not sure about the winter season whether cases will come or not, since the strain of the virus has changed. But definitely, we are suggesting everyone take all the precautions.”

Civil surgeon Dr Hardeep Singh Ghai said: “We are spreading maximum awareness about this, from pasting posters and distributing pamphlets. It is being done so that people are aware about the common symptoms of swine flu, and can take treatment if they feel unwell. Moreover, anyone can come forward to take medicines if required, and if their family members or close ones have suffered from swine flu.”

PAST YEARS’ CASES

Year>>>>Cases>>>>Deaths

2015>>>>>39>>>>>>>5

2016>>>>>29>>>>>>>7

2017>>>>>50>>>>>>15

Total cases from Punjab: 128

Deaths: 28

District-wise position in number of cases: 1. Ludhiana 2. Mohali 3. Patiala 4. Jalandhar 5. Hoshiarpur.