Two-and-a-half-yr-old girl dies of swine flu in Kanpur

Kanpur: A two-and-a-half-year-old girl died of swine flu in Kanpur, the first disease-related death in the city, prompting the authorities to swing into action, a senior health official said on Friday.

Aapti, daughter of Mahesh Verma and a resident of Juhi Lal colony, who was admitted to a private hospital some days ago, died on Wednesday, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr R P Yadav said.

Her culture sample was sent to King George's Medical University in Lucknow after which it was today confirmed that she was infected by H1N1 virus, he said.

The hospital immediately submitted the victim's report to the CMO, following which the city health department has stepped up its vigil to contain swine flu in the city, he further said.

A team of health department was today sent for a check-up of the deceased's family members. The doctors who were treating the deceased were also being tested for the H1N1 virus, he added.

This is the first case of death due to swine flu in Kanpur, he said.

All government and private hospitals have been alerted to take preventive measures, the CMO said, adding, they have been asked to monitor any patient who has not recovered from fever for many days and also send his culture sample to Lucknow.