IMPHAL Jan 29: Second case of swine flu in the state has been confirmed. The nasopharyngeal swab sample collected from IFP columnist and HIV/AIDS activist Chitra Ahenthem of Elangbam Ahanthem Leikai returned positive result for the virus causing this disease.

According to an official statement of state medical directorate, on January 25 at 10 am, Chitra Ahanthem voluntarily sought medical check up for suspect of swine flu at JN hospital, Porompat.

Chitra had just returned from a trip to Bangkok, Thailand, during January 20 to January 23, when she developed symptoms resembling swine flue.

The report said attending physicians on suspicious of swine flu collected nasopharyngeal swab from her and was prescribed treatment with Tamiflu for five days.

The official report further mentioned that her nasopharyngeal swab sample was sent to NCDC (formerly NICD), Delhi on January 27, and the directorate made an official communication with NCDC and later confirmed she was tested positive of swine flu.

She is the second positive case in the state since July last year and in both cases the patients had just returned from foreign travels.

Chitra is at home on home isolation protocols undergoing chemotherapy and her immediate close contacts (four members of the family including her son, mother and a girl helper) although free of symptoms at the moment are on precautionary chemoprophylaxis with Tamiflu for 10 days.

Other known co-passengers identified by her are also free of symptoms of the disease yet.

The official statement further mentioned that in view of this development, the proposed withdrawal from February 1 next month of the screening of the incoming passengers by medical team at the Imphal Airport has been deferred until further order.

When contacted Chitra said her case does not seem to be severe she prefers to be treated at home isolation, she added.

~ The Imphal Free Press

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