POKHARA: With the onset of winter, the strains of swine flu virus are mutating rapidly. Fifteen more people are believed to have tested positive for the pandemic in the Lake City.

However, neither Western Regional Hospital nor Regional Directorate of Public Health has gone public with the test results. Dr Buddhi Bahadur Thapa, superintendent, Western Regional Hospital, said that the announcement would be made on Sunday. While, Pritam Sharma, spokesman, Regional Directorate of Public Health, maintained that the institute was yet to receive the report from the capital.

The officials at the District Public Health Office, Kaski, had said a few days ago that Pokhara was free from swine flu threat. They claimed that an awareness campaign was also launched. Kaski health personnel were on high alert following the outbreak of the disease in the neighbouring districts — Parbat, Baglung, and Myagdi — in the western region.

The contagious disease might have spread in Pokhara since the tourist hub is the gateway to the swine flu-hit districts. Pokhara residents have started using masks as a precautionary measure. They are also cautious not to shake hands.

Panic has struck Tanahun as well since the number of patients, suffering from common cold and viral fever, has gone up in the past few days. Health personnel in Damauli and Bandipur said that locals, especially children and senior citizens, were taking all preventive measures. Dr Shushil Nath Pyakurel, who works in Damauli Hospital, said that the situation was under control.

Final results likely tomorrow

KATHMANDU: A preliminary report has confirmed 15 swine flu cases in Pokhara. Jeetendra Man Shrestha, deputy coordinator, Avian Influenza Control Project (AICP), said that final results were expected on Sunday. Dr Bhim Tinkari, coordinator, AICP said that 10 samples were recently collected from Baglung and 15 each from Myagdi and Parbat. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the number of confirmed swine flu cases stands at 63. — HNS