Swine Flu Alert in Bihar: 3 cases detected in Patna

Patna: The entire state has been put on high alert after 3 cases of swine flu were detected in Patna recently. Out of 3 victims, 2 had recently come from outside the state.

Swine Flu is spreading as an epidemic in India

Swine Flu is spreading as an epidemic in India

The 3 Patients are Pervez Alam (22), a Patna resident who recently returned from Aligarh and Nina Jha (58), who recently returned from Delhi. Another victim is Anjali (52) who is a resident of Agamkuan, Patna. Ironically one of the victims is the head of pathology department at Rajendra Memorial Research Institute, Patna.

Bihar has recorded incredibly small number of Swine Flu cases in past. In 2009, 7 cases were reported and in 2011, 1 case was reported. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed officials to ensure cleanliness at public places like Railway Stations and bus Stops.

The symptoms of “swine flu” H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Influenza spreads between humans when infected people cough or sneeze, then other people breathe in the virus or touch something with the virus on it and then touch their own face, eyes, nose or mouth. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products,since the virus is not transmitted through food. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness, although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days.