Chhattisgarh has recorded 158 swine flu patients over the past two months, with 66 of these cases from Raipur alone. Eight patients are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals across the state, while the number of active cases stands at 37. Doctors say that only a small number of patients have experienced breathlessness, and these too have recovered after treatment without needing ventilator support, as symptoms have largely remained mild.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal has directed officials to ensure proper treatment and continuous monitoring of patients, along with full arrangements for sampling and treatment. He also asked for an adequate stock of swine-flu-related medicines to be maintained so that any adverse situation can be handled smoothly. While the number of patients in the state continues to rise, officials note the major relief is that no case has turned serious, largely because the H1N1 virus has not changed its form.
With no mutation detected in the virus, patients are not developing severe illness despite testing positive. The patient count stood at 122 on 29 August, meaning 36 new cases have been identified in just four days. The Respiratory Medicine Department's OPD at Ambedkar Hospital is treating more than 100 patients daily, of which 20 to 25 present with seasonal flu, sore throat or mild breathing difficulty. Swab samples from symptomatic patients are being sent to the virology department for testing, and with sufficient testing kits available at the virology lab, reports are coming back within one to two days.
According to doctors, swine flu cases are likely to keep appearing until Ganesh Chaturthi, as humidity is expected to persist in the weather till then, bringing patients with cold, cough, fever and throat infection symptoms — some of whom may test positive for swine flu. Senior haematologist Dr Vikas Goyal said patients suffering from cancer, asthma or diabetes face a higher risk from swine flu. He noted the infection can turn dangerous and even fatal for cancer patients, since chemotherapy and radiotherapy significantly weaken their immunity, leaving them badly affected by the virus. Patients have been advised to wear masks.
| District | Total Patients | Active Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Raipur | 66 | 8 |
| Bilaspur | 20 | 0 |
| Durg | 17 | 0 |
| Raigarh | 10 | 3 |
| Korba | 9 | 4 |
| Surguja | 2 | 0 |
Dr RK Panda, HOD, Respiratory Medicine, Ambedkar Hospital, said more swine flu patients could emerge over the next 15 days. He added that those without any other serious illness face a lower risk from the infection, and that timely treatment is helping patients recover.
Dr Devendra Nayak, Chairman, Shri Balaji Hospital, said patients are showing mild symptoms and recovering after treatment. He noted that ICMR research has found no mutation in the virus, calling this reassuring since the virus remains the same as before and patients are not turning severe.