Swine flu claims pregnant women in Satara

SATARA: Neelam Sonawane a 21-year-old pregnant woman died of swine flu at the Krantisinh Nana Patil government hospital here on Friday while Rangubai Shinde (25), suspected to be suffering from swine flu, also died on Friday, while being taken to Pune. Padmakar Kadam, in charge of the Influenza A H1N1 ward at the government hospital, said that Sonawane of Gondavale, who was six months pregnant, was undergoing treatment for the last four days. Rangubai Shinde, from Murti taluka, was admitted to a private hospital at Lonand. When her condition worsened, the doctor asked her relatives to take her to Pune for treatment. Shinde breathed her last near Neera-Jejuri while on her way to Pune, he said.The government hospital is currently treating three confirmedH1N1 cases and six others who are showing symptoms of swine flu, Kadamsaid.District health officer Bhagwan Pawar told TOI that in view ofthe increasing spread of swine flu, a special ward with 48 beds has been keptready at the Krantisinh Nana Patil government hospital. Since last year, as manyas 84 positive cases have been reported in the district. Of these, 27 have died.Pawar said. "As many as 1.08 lakh patients were screened in thedistrict so far. Of these, 84 are positive and 674 were suspected cases. Nearly281 swab samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology," hesaid.District civil surgeon Suresh Jagdale said the governmenthospital has a stock of 20,000 Tamiflu tablets, 559 bottles of Tamiflu syrup and1,000 masks to combatH1N1.