Jalandhar, Sept. 7 -- Punjab has recorded its first suspected swine flu fatality of the season after an 85-year-old man from Jalandhar, who tested positive for H1N1, died while undergoing treatment at the civil hospital here. The confirmed swine flu cases in the state have reached 220 this year.

The deceased, Mool Raj, a resident of Jamsher Khas in Jalandhar, was admitted to the civil hospital with breathing difficulties. He had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Jalandhar civil surgeon Dr Rajesh Garg said while the patient tested positive for swine flu (H1N1), a pre-existing history of severe COPD significantly complicated the case and likely contributed to his death

"The exact cause of the death will be ascert...