Swine flu scare after woman’s death in Kovai

Fifty-four-year-old Shanthi, wife of Maria Louis from Flower Market in the district, died without responding to treatment at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) on Thursday night.

Shanthi was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. As her condition worsened, she underwent clinical tests, during which a swab test diagnosed her to be suffering from swine flu.

“Since she didn’t show any progress in treatment, the woman was shifted to CMCH on Thursday around 7.50 pm. Barely an hour later, she died around 9 pm,” a doctor said.

Upon receiving information, the civic body deputed a team of sanitary workers to spray disinfectants in the Flower Market area, which was the deceased woman’s neighbourhood.

Following the woman’s demise, CMCH has been gearing up to tackle any spread of swine flu. “If necessary, a special ward will be created to provide round-the-clock treatment to persons affected by swine flu,” a doctor said.

While the State Health department combated the Nipah scare by preventing its spread by enhancing screening along the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, among other measures, swine flu has returned in Tamil Nadu after a brief lull. The viral infection had claimed several lives during its last outbreak a few months ago.

The public have been advised to visit a government hospital or a primary health care centre if they showed any symptoms of swine flu.