Chennai: Refuting Opposition charge of Avian influenza outbreak in Tamil Nadu, health minister Dr C. Vijayabaskar told the Assembly that the state is free from bird flu but there had been renewed instances of Swine flu.
“The two persons who died recently in Gudiyatham (in Vellore district) was due to swine flu and not because of bird flu,” he said and informed that steps are on to prevent the spread of H1N1. Responding to the issue raised by the opposition DMK on two women allegedly succumbing to bird flu at Gudiyatham, Dr Vijayabaskar stated that a group of persons went on a religious tour on Jan. 17 and after returning from Kerala, two women died.
“They had symptoms of H1N1 and had died before being treated. Medical tests at the CMC had confirmed swine flu. There is no bird flu outbreak as being alleged. Though there is prevalence of swine flu, steps are being taken to contain its spread to other areas,” the minister said. He informed that the state is adequately stocked with ten lakh tamiflu tablets, which are being dispatched to all government hospitals. If need arose, tablets would be given to private hospitals.
Immediately after he replied, DMK deputy leader Duraimurugan remarked, “I said there is bird flu. (Now) you say there is swine flu outbreak. Both of us are correct.”
