2 fresh cases of swine flu in Delhi; IMA issues guidelines

New Delhi, Jan 2: Two fresh cases of swine flu were reported in the national capital today, taking the figure to 41 since last year.

Two women, aged 35 and 53, residents of C R Park and Chattarpur, have tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu) virus, according to the officials from the health department of Delhi government.

"The 35-year old woman is admitted to a private hospital in Kalkaji while the 53-year old is admitted to Fortis in Vasant Kunj," said Charan Singh, Additional Director (Public Health). One case of swine flu was reported yesterday also. Delhi Health Secretary S C L Das today reviewed the situation and held a stock taking meeting with all the designated hospitals.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) meanwhile has issued a set of guidelines to tackle swine flu and urged citizens not to neglect minor cases of fever with breathlessness.

"The matter is important as the current seasonal influenza vaccines are not expected to provide protection against human infection with avian or swine flu viruses. However, reducing seasonal influenza risk through vaccination might reduce the theoretical risk for recombination of influenza viruses of animal origin," IMA said in a statement.

According to the IMA, a total of 10 deaths in Hyderabad and one death in Delhi have occurred due to swine flu so far. Swine flu can have symptoms like fever, coryza, cough, sore throat and body aches. It may last for one-two weeks, said IMA.

However, occasionally, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and rash may also occur. The government has designated both government and private labs to test the presence of virus, it said.

The government has also set a control room - 23061469 -- for any kind of information on swine flu, it said.

PTI