Swine flu claims six lives in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Feb 8 (IANS) The dreaded swine flu has claimed six lives in Karnataka, including four in Bengaluru and one each in Bidar and Raichur districts in the northern region, a senior health official said Sunday.

"Though 95 people, affected by the H1N1 influenza over the last two weeks, tested positive and have been under treatment, six of them succumbed to the disease so far. We have stocked adequate number of Tamiflu tablets for distribution," state health department director H.C. Ramesh said.

Asserting that the department had taken steps to contain the disease by educating the people about its symptoms and creating awareness to ensure they take preventive measures, Ramesh said district health officers were directed to monitor the situation in their respective areas and take corrective steps.

"A woman patient, who died Saturday at a private hospital in the city, tested positive Friday. About 20 fresh cases tested positive Saturday in Bengaluru urban and civic limits," Ramesh added.