H1N1 virus kills one in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: A woman died here due to swine flu, while another was still under observation, a health official said on Monday.

The 58-year-old woman, who tested positive for the flu following her return to Shillong after visiting her sons in Pune and Chennai, died on Sunday night at the Nazareth Hospital, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Pravin Bakshi said.

The other woman, a resident of Mumbai, has been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus and is under close observation in the hospital, he said. The woman was in Shillong to attend a religious convention. Bakshi said the State government has sounded a health alert across Meghalaya and has also alerted the Airport Authority of India officials at the Guwahati international airport, Shillong airport and officials from Meghalaya helicopter services.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease which infects the windpipe (respiratory tract) of pigs and gets transmitted to human beings.

It results in nasal secretions, cough, decreased appetite, and restlessness. (IANS)