Swine flu claims first victim this year in Gujarat

A man, Mansukh Dhodiya (52), died of swine flu in Rajkot on Saturday. He is the first person to die of the disease in the state after fresh outbreaks of the viral ailment were recently reported from different parts of the country.

Dhodiya was admitted to Rajkot civil hospital on April 3 after he was diagnosed as suffering from swine flu. Dr Dinkar Raval, deputy director (epidemic), state health department, said that Dhodiya had been keeping poor health even before he was found to be infected with H1N1.

He had blood in his lungs and was being treated for this problem for the last 5 months. “He was a heavy smoker for the last 20 years. This had reduced his breathing capacity and weakened his immune system.

However, he tested positive for H1N1 on April 3 and died of the disease early on Saturday morning,” said Dr Raval.

The health official said Dhodiya is survived by his wife who is also under observation. The deceased was cremated with all the necessary precautions, Dr Raval said.