Second case of swine flu reported in Kovai

COIMBATORE: M Ramesh, a 27-year-old call-ptaxi driver from Seeranaickenpalayam (SN Palayam) in Coimbatore, has tested positive to swine flu on Friday. Ramesh is undergoing treatment at the quarantine ward of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital.This is the second case of the killer flu reported in the Texcity after that of a four-year-old girl, who was admitted on Thursday. Ramesh, a resident of Seeranaickenpalayam on the outskirts of the city, approached the CMCH authorities on Friday morning following complaints of cold, fever, throat pain and his swab samples were taken to test. It tested positive to H1N1 virus in the evening. “Since, the latest victim was an asthmaite, he could have contracted the flu easily. And, it is an isolated case,” said S Senthilkumar, Deputy Director of health.So far there are no orders from the government to carry out mass vaccination programme, informed Senthilkumar. According to sources, Ramesh would be under treatment for a week in the quarantine ward and after that he would be discharged. However, officials would monitor his condition post-discharge as well for a week, an official said. Meanwhile, a team of health officials visited Seeranaickenpalayam on Saturday and checked Ramesh’s wife, relatives and neighbours. Pommu Naicker, a resident of Perumanallur in Tirupur district, and four-year-old girl V.Adhista of S.S.kulam in Kovilpalayam near Annur on the outskirts of the city were undergoing treatment in the quarantine ward and their health condition was said to be stable on Saturday. They would be discharged from the hospital on Sunday, said Senthilkumar.