After H1N1 deaths in Punjab,swine flu alert issued in Karachi

Karachi

Following three deaths in three cities of Punjab by an outbreak of Swine flu H1N1 this week, the health department on Thursday also issued a swine flu alert for Karachi as a “precautionary measure” notifying all public and private hospitals to stay vigilant and establish isolation wards to keep patients.

Director Health Karachi Dr Zafar Aijaz told The News the notification had been issued as a “precautionary measure” and all public and private hospitals had been directed to take all possible measures to deal with the suspected swine flu patients with utmost care.

“Swine Flu H1N1 is a contagious viral disease transmitted among humans via nasal droplets and modes similar to spread of common influenza. Although mortality rate is less than one percent in this disease, elderly people and those with weak immune systems can become seriously ill,” he said. “Swine flu has five strains which have so far been discovered. I have also written to my counterparts in Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi to know more about the disease.”

The administration of Civil Hospital Karachi has also been directed to make its influenza lab operational. Necessary directives have also been issued to all personnel dealing with suspected cases to adopt the preventive measures.