Two more die of H1N1

MULTAN: Two more people died of H1N1 here on Sunday, bringing the total death toll to 29 in about 40 days.

A woman hailing from Layyah and a man from Multan succumbed to the disease at Nishtar Hospital, said health department spokesman Dr Atta. The hospital said 109 people had been tested positive for the flu since December 15 2017. The epidemic has severely affected south Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has already taken notice of the spread of influenza and directed the authorities concerned to take all possible measures for prevention from disease. He also advised them to organise awareness campaigns in this connection.

Seasonal influenza can spread through contact with the bacteria discharged by an infected person’s coughing and sneezing. Pregnant women, senior citizens and children are at higher risk of contracting the disease.

Date cultivation on rise in south Punjab: Punjab government is providing high quality date plants for cultivation free of cost to the farmers.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, Punjab Secretary Agriculture M Mehmood said date cultivation process was in progress in 11 districts of south Punjab and date varieties including Ajwa, Ambar, Khalas, Majul and Barhi were being provided to the farmers. He said the Punjab government was also taking different steps to promote exports of fruits. “Work on seedless varieties of Kinnow is also in progress.”