On Thursday, four more people tested positive for swine flu in Meerut as the number of patients suffering from the disease rose to 27. The disease has claimed its third victim and the cases have been increasing. The doctors have advised everyone to maintain hygiene and clean their hands properly to keep infection away.

Dr Rachna Tandon, Meerut district epidemiologist, said that four new cases of swine flu were reported in Meerut on Thursday and they include 62-year-old man from Sardhana, 50-year-old man from Shastri Nagar, 32-year-old woman from Adarsh Nagar and 46-year-old man from Incholi.

Doctors have instructed that only one member of the family should involve in taking care of a swine flu patient to prevent everyone from getting infected. Everyone should wash hands frequently, wear a mask when near the patient, take care of hygiene in the patient’s room and use separate utensils for the patient.

Children below five years of age, the elderly, especially above 65 years old, pregnant women and people with extended respiratory disease are in the high-risk group patients and should be more careful.

Dr Raj Kumar, Meerut chief medical officer said that private hospitals are being asked to set up isolation wards for patients of swine flu to safeguard that other patients or hospital staff are not infected.

Surveillance is conducted to check if there are any cases in proximity of the areas where swine flu cases have been detected. Awareness camps are being organized so that people in those areas are aware about swine flu and its prevention.

The health department authorities said that epidemiological study and travel history of patients is also being checked.

Source: ET Healthworld