Thaindian News

Chandigarh, Aug 16 (IANS) A 20-year-old student from Pune who had come here to meet her parents has tested positive for swine flu, said officials Sunday. Eight people have tested positive for H1N1 in the union territory so far.
“The patient was admitted at PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) on Aug 9 with swine flu symptoms - sneezing, sore throat and high fever. Her reports have come positive from New Delhi,” H.C. Gera, Chandigarh nodal officer for swine flu, told IANS.

The girl had gone on a trip to Thailand and returned last month. Seeing her travel history, doctors immediately admitted her in the hospital.

“However, she was showing good signs of recovery and was sent home after giving proper medicines. Now she is quarantined at her home,” said Gera.

“So far there are 48 suspected cases, whose reports are still awaited from NICD (National Institute for Communicable Diseases), New Delhi. Earlier we were getting the test report in 24-hours time but now it is taking three-four days,” stated Gera.

To reduce the delay, Chandigarh health authorities are working towards initiating swine flu testing facility at the virology department of PGIMER in the next few days.

Besides, three fresh suspected cases of swine were reported at PGIMER Saturday.

So far, nearly 100 suspected cases of swine flu have been reported in this union territory and eight of them were tested positive. There has been no fatality from this disease reported in this region.