5 swine flu patients leave hospital, trigger fear of epidemic in Telangana

Hyderabad: Five people who tested positive in Telangana left against medical advice, which means that they are not completely cured.

Director of Health of Telangana says, "These five are absconding cases and our officers are trying to trace them. Their address is with us and we will check whether they are healthy or require further treatment."

Totally, 81 cases have tested positive for swine flu. "Swine flu is a common flu and people do not need to get scared. Those who are above 60 years of age, suffering from chronic diseases and also children have to take extra care. But it is not an epidemic," says Dr Rao.

There has been an increase in the number of cases since November. 

The para medical staff, community health officers and district officers are the ones who come in contact with the patient on daily basis, making them highly prone to getting infected. These officers have been asking the government for vaccination to protect them from swine flu.

Presently, stock of the vaccination is not available.

Although the health minister Dr. Rajaiah has said that they must be vaccinated, so far no action has been taken on that front.