First swine flu death in West Bengal

Swineflu claimed its first victim in the state with the death of a 58-year-old man, who was on chemotherapy for multiple myeloma, while three more confirmed cases of H1N1 infection were reported today.

The throat swab of the man confirmed that he was suffering from H1N1 infection, West Bengal Health Department sources said.

The was admitted to a hospital here on July 15 with fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, they said, adding the man was put on a ventilator two days later and died on the following day.

The death could not be avoided as the man had poor immunity and lack of time for administering him anti-virals, they said.

Disinfective measures had been taken at the hospital after the death, the sources added.

The department said three confirmed cases were also reported during the day raising the number of those affected with swine flu to six.

The condition of one, who had a history of chronic renal failure, was critical.

The health department was monitoring the situation on a daily basis.