Three new positive swine flu cases have been reported in Punjab’s Moga district, following which the health department has increased surveillance. Health department teams surveyed the homes of the patients in Moga city, Bagha Purana and Kot Ise Khan and examined family members and people who had come into contact with them.
According to the health department, the three new patients are from Moga city, Bagha Purana and Kot Ise Khan. After receiving information about the cases, department teams visited the homes of all three patients on Friday and conducted surveys.
No serious symptoms related to swine flu were found among family members or people living nearby during the surveys. The health department is continuing to monitor the situation.
Civil Surgeon Dr Ashok Singla confirmed the cases and said that surveys of the patients’ homes had been completed. He said the situation is currently under control and appealed to people to get examined by a doctor immediately if they develop symptoms of swine flu instead of panicking.
According to the health department, three patients from Basurana, Kot Ise Khan and Moga city had also tested positive for swine flu two days earlier. The department said these patients are now reported to be healthy.
Swine flu is a respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza type-A virus. It can spread through exposure to droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes.
Its symptoms can include high fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat or throat pain, difficulty breathing, chest heaviness, headache, muscle and joint pain, and extreme weakness. Vomiting or diarrhoea may also occur in some cases.
The health department has advised people to avoid crowded places and use masks when necessary. People should wash their hands frequently with soap and water and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth without washing their hands.
People have also been advised to maintain a distance of at least one metre from anyone suffering from cold or cough. Elderly people, children and those with weakened immunity have been advised to get an annual flu vaccine as recommended by a doctor. A nutritious diet and adequate rest have also been advised.
The health department said that people who develop symptoms of swine flu should not self-medicate and should consult a doctor at the nearest government or private hospital for examination.
