First positive case of swine flu confirmed in Meghalaya

Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 15 (ANI): Hospitals and medical officials in Meghalaya are on a high alert after the first case of swine flu was confirmed as positive by hospital authorities here.

The victim has been identified as Tongber, a 17-year-old boy who recently returned from United Kingdom. He has been admitted at the Shillong Civil Hospital since August 6.

Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters that the suspected case of swine flu was confirmed after proper diagnosis and relevant tests.

"Cases have been detected in other parts of the country. Somehow, the northeast is not free from the H1N1 cases, including Meghalaya. Yesterday, a case has been confirmed. One boy, who has travelled abroad, has developed certain symptoms," said Sangma.

"He has been admitted to Civil Hospital, Shillong and his samples have been collected for relevant confirmation of diagnosis and tests has confirmed that patient admitted was infected by H1N1 virus," Sangma added.

Sangma further assured that precautionary measures were being taken to prevent the spread of swine flu in the state.

"The government has taken steps and an instruction has already been given to department from my office that a designated team of doctors along with required staff is needed to be put in Shillong and civil hospitals to handle such cases which are suspected to be of H1N1 or including the confirmed cases," said Sangma. (ANI)