12-year-old girl first swine flu victim in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH - A 12-year-old girl died from influenza A (H1N1) virus Monday, becoming the first swine flu casualty here, a health official said.

The victim, a native of Meerut in Uttar pradesh, was staying in the hostel of Chaman Vatika school on the Chandigarh-Ambala highway, 35 km from here.

Harshita was brought to Chandigarh on Friday in a very serious condition and she was admitted at Chaitanya Hospital. When the hospital authorities informed us, she was already on ventilator support, H.C. Gera, nodal officer for swine flu, Chandigarh, told IANS.

We took the throat and nasal swab samples and she tested positive. She had problems in breathing. Some doctors of this private hospital are on the panel of Chaman Vatika school, so they directly referred the patient there, added Gera.

Following the swine flu case, the management Sunday announced the closure of the school till Diwali later this month.

Health officials visited the school Sunday to examine students and staff members who were in close contact with the victim.

So far, over 230 suspected cases of swine flu have been reported in Chandigarh hospitals, out of which 40 have tested positive.