2 test positive for swine flu

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 2

With the minimum temperature going below 5 degree Celsius, the city has started receiving suspected patients of swine flu. Till now, 44 suspected cases have been reported in the city, of which two have tested positive.

The Health Department has directed the hospitals to set up designated swine flu corners. The suspected swine flu patients will be admitted to these special corners and they will be shifted out only if they test negative.

All major hospitals in the city and Civil Hospital have prepared themselves for swine flu. Patients are being kept in isolation wards and at Civil Hospital, there are 10 beds in the isolation ward.

“The test for swine flu is done free of cost by the Health Department and we advise patients to visit Civil Hospital for getting the test done free of cost. The samples are sent to the PGI or Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, for testing.

The lab at the DMCH has also been authorised by the department but those going to the DMCH will have to pay for the test from their own pocket,” said District Epidemiologist, Dr Ramesh.