Kathmandu, July 30

Two more patients were confirmed to have been infected with swine flu in two separate hospitals in Kathmandu today.

An 18-year-old boy receiving treatment in Sukraraj Tropical Infectious Disease Hospital and a 65-year-old man admitted in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital have tested positive for influenza virus PDM (H1N1)09.

Doctors warned that swine flu cases may increase if people do not take precautions. “Two persons have died of swine flu this year,” informed Dr Subash Acharya, ICU in-charge of both hospitals. He informed that two swine patients were still receiving in the treatment in TU Teaching Hospital and four patients in Grande Hospital.

Dr Rakesh Yadav, medical officer at STIDH, informed that an 18-year-old boy admitted to the hospital is from Dakshinkali. “One of the family members of the boy was infected with dengue, so we have advised family members to avoid contact with him,” he said.

It is very necessary to spread awareness of swine flu among people. “Mostly, children, the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases should be vaccinated against the virus. This helps control respiratory tract infection,” said Dr Acharya. The influenza virus directly affects the lungs, which can lead to immediate death.