Odisha registers first swine flu death

Odisha today registered the first swine flu casualty with the death of a 42-year-old male patient at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Health Secretary Arati Ahuja said.
The deceased has been identified as Aditya Narayan Jena. The deceased, the cousin of Bhubaneswar mayor Anant Narayan Jena - was being treated at a private hospital here and was shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital on Sunday after his condition deteriorated.
"The patient was in a very critical condition when he was brought here. Doctors here tried their best, but could not revive him," Medical College and Hospital emergency officer Bhubanananda Maharana said.

Health Secretary Ahuja held an emergency meeting to review the situation in the state.
"This is the first death due to swine flu this year. There is no reason to panic over the incident. We have enough medicines and facilities in government and private hospitals," Ahuja said.
Jena was tested positive for the H1N1 swine flu virus Saturday, taking the number of patients who have tested positive for the dreaded disease in the state to four, Ahuja said, adding that the victim was a diabetic.

He was brought to the medical college hospital in a critical condition that made it difficult for doctors to save his life, Maharana said.

Ahuja also directed the health department to keep a vigil on the health condition of the deceased's family members who came in close contact with him.
Meanwhile, the health department has re-issued alert to all the government and procate health centres to remain alert to the disease, Ahuja said.