AGRA: After five people reportedly died of swine flu on Saturday in neighbouring Rajasthan, the health department here has constituted a district-level rapid response team to keep track of the highly contagious disease caused by H1N1 virus. Rajasthan has reported 48 deaths in the first 19 days of this year.The H1N1 virus can spread by a simple sneeze that causes thousands of germs to spread through the air.According to department records, so far seven cases of swine flu, including that of a pregnant woman, have surfaced in Agra district. Taking no chances, the health department’s rapid response team will keep a tab on swine flu. The team will identify suspicious cases, carry out speedy diagnosis and ensure patients get proper treatment.The health department has also started issuing notices to pathology labs, seeking details of the suspicious cases of swine flu.Chief medical officer, Agra, Mukesh Vats said, “A rapid response team has been constituted to check the spread of swine flu and ensure proper treatment of patients. Besides, a 24-hour control room has been set up. So far, seven cases of swine flu have surfaced. Patients have been kept in the isolation ward where a team of doctors is providing best possible treatment. All required arrangements for tests and treatment of swine flu have been made available at SN Medical College (SNMC) and the district hospital.”Vats added, “There are around registered 85 pathology centres in the city. We are issuing notices to all of them to provide details of all suspected cases of swine flu. These patients will be diagnosed at the advanced microbiology lab at SNMC. On confirmation of swine flu, patient will be immediately admitted for treatment in the isolation ward at SNMC or district hospital.”Taking cognizance of reports of swine flu cases in several cities of UP and neighboring states of Rajasthan and Haryana , the health department had issued an alert in Agra last week.According to doctors, cough, fever, sore throat, stuffy nose, problem in breathing, body ache, headache, chills and fatigue are symptoms of H1N1 infection . Anyone suffering from these must immediately get in touch with a doctor.Health department advised to protect oneself from contracting swine flu, one must cover one’s nose and mouth in crowded areas, wash hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth and avoid contact with sick people.

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