Thaindian News

Chandigarh, Aug 18 (IANS) Five fresh suspected cases of swine flu were reported here Tuesday, health officials said, while pointing out that they are still awaiting 35 swine flu test reports from New Delhi.
“Two cases were reported at PGIMER (Postgraduate institute of medical education and research) and three at Government hospital in Sector 32. We have sent the samples of their throat and nasal swabs to NICD (National Institute of communicable Disease) in New Delhi,” said H.C. Gera, UT nodal officer of swine flu.

“Nearly 35 reports are still pending from New Delhi. Due to heavy rush they are taking at least three or four days in returning test reports whereas earlier we were getting it in 24 hours,” he added.

However, Gera maintained that there is no need to panic as the situation is well under control in Chandigarh.

“Isolation wards have been established at three hospitals in Chandigarh including PGIMER in Sector 12, Government hospital in Sector 16 and at Government medical college and hospital in Sector 32. We have well trained staff and enough stocks of medicines to tackle any kind of emergency,” stated Gera.

So far, nearly 100 suspected cases of swine flu have been reported in city hospitals and eight of them have tested positive. There has been no fatality reported from the union territory.

A senior official of the health department said: “Earlier a panic button was pressed in the region after the news of deaths due to swine flu infection. People with normal headache also started approaching us, demanding a swine flu test.”

He added: “We have received fresh guidelines from the government of India yesterday. Now we will send the samples only when the symptoms are right.”