TIRUCHY: In what has become a continuing saga, three fever-related deaths were reported at the MGMGH on Friday.
In the first case, 25-year-old Dheepa of Nagapattinam, who was brought to the hospital in a serious condition with H1N1 on November 18 passed away on Friday. The woman had lost her 9-month-old foetus because of H1N1related complications and was fighting for her life.
In the second case, a 63-year-old woman from Karur suffering from H1N1 died on Friday. Sources said the woman had been receiving treatment at a private hospital and was referred to MGMGH only on Wednesday night in a critical condition.
The woman Chandra had contracted fever and other health complications around 10 days ago and was admitted to a private hospital in Karur. However, her condition worsened prompted her relatives to shift her to a city-based hospital on Wednesday morning.
Subsequent tests at the hospital confirmed she was H1N1 positive following which she was referred to MGMGH. Dr Anithaa, Nodal Officer for H1N1 cases and Head, Medicines Department, MGMGH, confirmed the death.
“The patient did not respond to treatment and she died of respiratory infection. Earlier diagnosis revealed that her lungs were infected, to a larger extent” she added. This is the second H1N1 related death in MGMGH, while a private hospital witnessed a death on Thursday.
When contacted, Deputy Director of Health Services (DDHS), Karur, Dr V Nalini said they received communication in connection with the death. “Prophylactic measures are in place and we provided tamiflu to the relatives,” she said.
In the third incident, a 15-year-old boy from Perambalur died of mysterious fever. Sources said Satheeshkumar, son of Saravanan of Naranamangalam, was suffering from fever for over a week and admitted to MGMGH five days ago. However, his condition worsened and he was shifted to Intensive Care Unit a couple of days back.
While hospital officials claimed the boy was brought in with severe complications, his relatives alleged that he could have contracted dengue. Further, the relatives alleged doctors did not inform them about his condition, whenever they asked.
Dr R Ravi, Medical Superintendent (i/c) told Express that since admission, the boy was running high fever.
“We learnt that he was admitted in a private hospital before being brought here. His condition worsened by the day,” he said, adding that blood sample had been sent to lab and once report reached them, they could confirm exact cause for the death.
With swine flu cases on the rise and more number of patients landing up at the MGMGH, those accompanying the patients have to wait outside without any shelter.