Punjab has recorded its first suspected swine flu death of the season after an 85-year-old man from Jalandhar died following a positive H1N1 test. The development comes as the state has reported 220 confirmed swine flu cases this year, with infections increasing since August.
The deceased, identified as Mool Raj, was admitted to Jalandhar Civil Hospital after experiencing breathing problems. He had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
According to the health department, Mool Raj tested positive for H1N1 at Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, on September 2. He died at Jalandhar Civil Hospital on Friday while receiving treatment.
However, officials have not confirmed that H1N1 was the direct cause of his death. The health department said Mool Raj was immunocompromised and suffered from several other health conditions, making it difficult to establish whether the infection or his existing illnesses resulted in his death.
The case has therefore been categorised as a suspected swine flu death, with the final cause expected to be determined following a formal health audit.
Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said authorities were closely tracking the H1N1 situation in the state. He said the strain detected in Punjab was neither new nor mutated. Given Mool Raj’s advanced age and multiple existing medical conditions, the minister said it appeared unlikely that H1N1 was the primary cause of death.
PUNJAB RECORDS 220 CONFIRMED CASES
Health department figures show that 1,513 people suspected of having swine flu have undergone testing across Punjab since January. Among them, 220 were found positive for H1N1.
Fourteen fresh cases were reported on Friday, indicating that infections continue to increase.
Ludhiana has reported the highest number of cases at 72, followed by SAS Nagar (Mohali) with 36. Patiala has recorded 16 cases, while Moga has reported 11 and Jalandhar 10.
Rupnagar has registered nine cases and Fazilka one, while other districts have reported between two and eight cases each.
CASES HAVE BEEN RISING SINCE AUGUST
The health department has noted a rise in swine flu infections since August and has intensified surveillance and testing measures throughout Punjab.
Hospitals across the state have activated flu corners and isolation facilities to support the early detection, testing and treatment of suspected cases.
Authorities are closely monitoring districts with higher case numbers while continuing to track the overall spread of H1N1 across Punjab.
NO NEW OR MUTATED STRAIN DETECTED
Dr Balbir Singh said there was currently no indication that the H1N1 strain circulating in Punjab was new or had undergone mutation.
The minister and health officials have emphasised that the Jalandhar death cannot yet be directly linked to swine flu, as the formal health audit is still awaited.
The health department has advised people experiencing flu-like symptoms to seek medical care without delay. Although the increase in infections has prompted greater surveillance and hospital preparedness, officials said there is currently no evidence establishing H1N1 as the direct cause of the season’s first suspected swine flu death.
