The swine flu outbreak in Chhattisgarh is intensifying, with the virus claiming 18 lives so far, despite ongoing efforts by the administration. The latest victim, a 91-year-old woman from Bilaspur, succumbed on Tuesday after testing positive on August 24. She was undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital but could not be saved

Bilaspur remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with seven fatalities reported, including four local residents and three from neighboring districts. The district currently has 50 active cases, with eight new infections confirmed recently. Since the outbreak began, 125 people in Bilaspur have been infected, of whom 70 have recovered. Despite assurances from the health department, the number of cases continues to rise.

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Durg district has also been heavily impacted, with four deaths reported, the latest occurring on Monday in Bhilai’s Chauhan Green Valley. In the past 22 days, 23 new cases have been confirmed in the district. Thirteen patients are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across Durg and Raipur, while six have recovered. The virus has claimed lives in Kumhari, Padumnagar, and sectors 4 and 5

In response to the worsening situation, the state government has ordered the enhancement of testing facilities, including the virology labs set up during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the health department’s response has been sluggish. In Bilaspur, for example, contractual staff at the virology lab are working without pay due to delays in renewing their contracts. Dr. KK Sahare, Dean of Bilaspur Medical College, stated to the media that the relevant files are pending with the state ministry, despite repeated requests for resolutions

As swine flu cases continue to mount, the health department has issued an alert, instructing all medical colleges to prepare their virology labs for H1N1 testing. Immediate recruitment of technicians has been ordered where needed. Health officials are urging the public to seek immediate testing at the onset of symptoms, warning that delays in treatment could be fatal.