Sreesanth tests positive for swine flu

Indian pace bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has tested positive for swine flu Friday, however, doctors have assured that the cricketer is showing signs of recovery.

As he complained of flu-like symptoms including sore throat, body ache and high fever, he was admitted to Fortis Hospital, Mohali on Thursday night.

"He is likely to be discharged from hospital after two to three days," said Deepak Bhatia, nodal officer of swine flu, Punjab.

Sreesanth quarantined for few matches
As a result of his illness, Sreesanth has been ruled out of the Saturday's second and final T20 international against Sri Lanka to be played in Mohali stadium.

The speedster had also missed the opening T20 against Sri Lanka in Nagpur because of a stomach infection. And now he will miss out two One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka that will commence from Dec. 15 in Rajkot.

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) revealed, "Due to persistent symptoms of cough, fever and body ache, a throat swab was sent for H1N1 (swine flu) testing. The report was found to be positive and he was immediately put on medication."

The PCA added, "He will remain in the hospital for a day or two. He is recovering well and all his vital signs are normal."

Sreesanth had made an impressive comeback to international cricket after a gap of 18 months in the recent Sri Lanka series. His replacement is yet to be decided by the Board of Control for Cricket in Indiathat is likely to announce it on Saturday.

Team India under check
Meanwhile, comprehensive preventative measures have been taken to ensure that other cricketers are not affected with the lethal virus. The team members are putting up at Taj Hotel in Chandigarh.

Those who were in close proximity of Sreesanth have been properly screened for the flu-like symptoms, the health officials stated.

"Taking precautionary measures, we have given Tamiflu tablets to all people, including players and officials, who came in contact with Sreesanth. If any player exhibits flu-like symptoms then we will immediately collect his throat and nasal swab samples for tests," Deepak Bhatia, nodal officer of swine flu, Punjab, informed.

Gambhir and Dhananjay test negative
Until now, Indian opener Gautam Ghambir, team’s manager Mayank Parekh, and video analyst Dhananjay had reported minor flu like symptoms.

Parekh will stay in hospital as his report is still awaited, while Gambhir’s and Dhananjay’s reports have come out negative.

There will be no change in the schedule of the T20 match to be played between India and Sri Lanka today.

Winter chill brings on increase in swine flu cases

With the winter chill now in the air, swine flu cases in the national capital have recorded a sudden jump in the past two days. Doctors Thursday warned that H1N1 infections could see a rise as the virus spreads faster during winter.

The capital Wednesday reported 63 swine cases while on Tuesday 62 people reported positive for H1N1. This is a sharp increase from the 16 and 23 cases reported Monday and Sunday, respectively.

'The temperature has dipped in the northern parts of the country in the past few days. With the onset of winter, swine flu cases will increase but as of now the infection is mild and the morbidity is not much,' Randeep Guleria, head of medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), told IANS.

Guleria said people need to be more vigilant and take precautions during the winter.

'People should visit a designated health facility if they notice flu-like symptoms. Those in the target group like the elderly, children, pregnant women, heart and diabetic patients should take extra care during the winter,' said Guleria.

S. Chatterjee, senior consultant internal medicine at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said people should avoid crowded places and take necessary precautions while stepping out.

'Cover your face while sneezing and wash hands after regular interval - these are a must to prevent the spread of the H1N1 infection,' said Chatterjee.

The Delhi government said necessary measures are in place to check the increase of swine flu cases.

'The situation is under control and the government is doing its best to provide treatment to H1N1 patients in government hospitals. People should visit a doctor at the earliest on noticing symptoms of swine flu,' said Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia.

Delhi with 3,900 swine flu cases tops the list of people affected with H1N1 in the country. India has so far reported 534 swine flu deaths.