Mohali, Oct 19 - A 48-year-old woman who was suffering from swine flu died in a private hospital in this Punjab town, marking the first casualty due to the H1N1 virus in the state, a health official said here Monday.

"The patient was admitted to a private hospital here Sunday morning. As she was exhibiting symptoms of swine flu, we sent her throat and nasal swab samples to PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) in Chandigarh for tests," Punjab nodal officer of swine flu Deepak Bhatia told IANS.

"Though, she died yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, we got her test reports late Sunday and she was tested positive," he added.

The woman was a resident of Solan town in Himachal Pradesh. Health officials have informed her family members.

Mohali is around 10 km from state capital Chandigarh. (IANS)