3, not 34, swine flu deaths: Health Dept

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4

The state Health Department is stumped by the Union Government’s claims that 34 persons died of swine flu (H1N1) in the state last year. As per the state department record, only three deaths occurred due to the deadly virus with the last casualty reported in April last year.

Till that month, there were 21 suspected cases of H1N1 virus, out of which three patients reportedly died.

The figure quoted in news reports from New Delhi say Punjab is the only north Indian state where so many deaths have taken place due to H1N1 virus. Haryana followed it with five deaths.

Director, Health, Dr Karanjit Singh said they were ascertaining the veracity of the figures released by the Union Government. “We never had a swine flu scare in the state. The last death reported was in April. If the Union Government figures are to be believed, Punjab witnessed swine flu epidemic, but that is not the case. We had random cases, but most of those were managed,” Karanjit said.

Punjab and Chandigarh acted swiftly following reports of duck and crow deaths at various places, but there was no alert about swine flu over the past several months. Even during Ebola scare, the state had put around 30 persons under surveillance following their return from abroad.

Karanjit Singh said no communication from the Union Government was received on swine flu alert. “We are taking up the matter with the Union Ministry of Health to know why the state is said to be in the grip of the disease,” Karanjit said.