Daijiworld Media Network - Kadaba (SP)

Kadaba, Mar 4: Kushalappa Gowda (50), resident of Kalpure in Nekkilady village in the taluk, succumbed to suspected H1N1 (swine flu) infection at a private hospital at Deralakatte on Tuesday March 3 morning. Kushalappa was working as bus driver at Mangaluru.

Gowda was suffering from fever since the last 20 day. He was initially treated in private hospitals at Kadaba and Kaniyoor. As his fever did not subside, he had approached a private hospital at Puttur for treatment. But he was shifted to Deralakatte hospital the same day. He did not respond to treatment and passed away on Tuesday.

The victim has left behind wife, a son, and a daughter. The information that Kushalappa was suffering from H1N1 infection has given rise to concern in his village.

District health officer, Dr Sikandar Pasha, said that as per preliminary reports, Kushalappa Gowda died of pneumonia. He said that in cases of viral pneumonia too symptoms similar to H1N1 fever are displayed and reasoned that because of this aspect, the people have come to believe that Kushalappa was suffering from H1N1. He has asked the people not to unnecessarily become panicky.