MULTAN: Three more patients diagnosed with H1N1 seasonal influenza died here on Saturday at the Nishtar Hospital, raising the death toll in the city to 27.

The deceased have been identified as Farheen (38) of Vehari, Farzana (60) of Multan and Rashid (40) of Muzaffargarh. They were admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital.

According to health department figures, so far 218 suspected patients have been admitted to various hospitals in the district. Of them, 113 have been tested positive for H1N1 strain of the virus that causes swine flue.

As per official record, 13 [confirmed] patients of the ailment are being treated at the Nishtar Hospital, while result of the blood samples of 12 others is being awaited.

Of the 27 patients who have died of H1N1 here, 17 belong to Multan, four to Muzaffargarh, two each to Khanewal and Vehari and one each to Layyah and Rajanpur.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2018