H1N1claims two more lives, takes death toll to nine

Two more patients died of the H1N1 virus in the capital on Friday, taking the death toll from the virus this year to nine.

Another 59 patients also tested positive for the flu on Friday, making it a total of 360 confirmed cases since January 1, this year.

According to health department officials, an 83-year-old man from Punjabi Bagh died at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, while a 52-year-old woman from Tikri Village in Southeast Delhi succumbed to the virus at Action Balaji hospital in Paschim Vihar.

Both patients, according to health department officials, were diagnosed with H1N1 last week.

"Like most of the deaths we have seen this year from H1N1, the patients started having severe respiratory complications, which eventually led to acute respiratory distress syndrome, where the virus leads to an infection in the lungs. Such complications are seen more in elderly people," an official said.

Health Minister Dr A K Walia has held two meetings to review the swine flu management system in Delhi government hospitals so far. Virologists said besides the H1N1 virus, H3N2 and Influenza B virus are also doing the rounds in the city.

Basic preventive measures include maintenance of proper hygiene, frequent washing of hands, avoiding crowded places and using a handkerchief while sneezing or coughing, doctors said.

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