Representational picture. (Associated Press)
With two swine flu deaths in the last one week in Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow, the state has registered its first reported cases of the deadly disease this year.
An ex-Army personnel and the wife of a former serviceman lost their lives at the Command Hospital in Lucknow.
The two deaths have prompted the state health department to swing into action, with the Principal Secretary, Health, Arvind Kumar convening an emergency meeting with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and doctors of the city's major hospitals.
"There is no need for panic, these were isolated incidents. All hospitals have been asked to reserve beds for these cases," city's Chief Medical Officer, Dr SNS Yadav told NDTV.
While three government hospitals have been designated to collect samples, free testing will be provided at King Georges Medical University and SGPGI.
30,000 Tamiflu tablets are scheduled to reach the city by Saturday evening.
"Health department teams have visited the localities to which the patients belonged, to spread awareness about precautions that should be taken," Dr Yadav added.
A helpline number 0522-2026080 has also been given out for those in need of help.