Jalandhar: Amidst a nationwide surge in swine flu cases, Punjab has reported its first suspected death linked to the H1N1 virus this season. An 85-year-old man from Jalandhar, who had tested positive for the infection, passed away on Friday at the Civil Hospital. However, state health authorities have refrained from officially attributing the death solely to the H1N1 virus until a formal medical audit is concluded.
The deceased, identified as Mool Raj, was initially admitted to the Civil Hospital in Jalandhar due to severe breathing difficulties. Medical reports indicated that he was already suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). His samples, sent to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Amritsar on September 2, returned positive for the H1N1 virus.
According to Dr. Namita Ghai, Medical Superintendent at the Civil Hospital, the exact cause of death remains inconclusive. She noted that the patient had a compromised immune system and multiple pre-existing comorbidities, making it difficult to ascertain whether the fatality was directly caused by swine flu or other underlying health issues.
Addressing the situation, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated that the government is closely monitoring the H1N1 outbreak. He reassured the public that the virus strain detected this year has not mutated or presented any new forms. Given the Jalandhar patient’s advanced age and medical history, Dr. Singh noted that the likelihood of H1N1 being the primary cause of death is relatively low.
The suspected death comes at a time when swine flu cases have seen a sharp increase in the state since August. Health department data reveals that since January, a total of 1,513 suspected patients have been tested across Punjab, with 220 testing positive for the H1N1 virus. On Friday alone, 14 new cases were registered.
Ludhiana remains the worst-affected district with 72 confirmed cases, followed by SAS Nagar (Mohali) with 36 cases, Patiala with 16, Moga with 11, and Jalandhar with 10. Other districts have reported cases in single digits.
In response to the rising numbers, the state health department has ramped up surveillance and testing protocols. Flu corners and isolation units have been activated in hospitals across the state to facilitate the swift identification and treatment of suspected patients. Authorities have urged citizens experiencing flu-like symptoms to seek immediate medical assistance.