H1N1 Makes A Comeback In Mumbai, Around 75 Killed; 6,000 In Hospital With Fever

H1N1 infection has made a comeback along with a deluge of viral diseases, including dengue, which are sweeping the city. In fact, fever cases have contributed to 6,000 hospitalisations in the first fortnight of September. Hospital beds are mostly occupied by patients of viral fever, viral pneumonia and dengue, doctors said.

In other parts of Maharashtra, H1N1 has claimed 75 lives and affected over 700 so far. The worst affected cities are Pune and Nashik, where the infection started spreading since July-end.

State epidemiologist Dr Pradeep Awate said a handful of cases have been reported from Thane and Palghar. A 50-year-old woman from Old Panvel, admitted to Sahasrabudhe Hospital, is among the latest affected.

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¡°The festival season, with a nip in temperature and gathering of people, is conducive for the virus¡¯ transmission,¡± he said, hinting that cases could rise.

A 40-year-old woman was admitted to Bombay Hospital in Marine Lines on Friday with a bad cold, cough, highgrade fever and she tested positive for H1N1. Consultant physician Dr Gautam Bhansali said, ¡°It¡¯s the second case of H1N1 we have treated.

The first has recovered and gone home,¡± the doctor said. Bhansali, however, said that more than H1N1, the incidence of viral pneumonia and viral fever has been worrying, as patients need advanced management, including ICU care and ventilator support.

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Doctors said most patients are presenting with high-grade fever (more than 102), sore throat, cough, cold, nausea and loss of appetite.

¡°Unlike regular viral, where patients are sent home with advice on care, several have needed intense treatment extending up to a week,¡± said Bhansali, adding that at least three of his viral fever patients needed ICU care.

Echoing that, Dr Khusrav Bhajan, intensivist at Mahim¡¯s PD Hinduja Hospital said at least 50% dengue cases this season began with viral fever, where dengue tests came positive only after seven days.

¡°Many persistently tested negative for dengue in the first week of fever. Two such cases of viral fever went on to need life-support, of which one tested positive for dengue,¡± he said, adding that people should not waste time selfmedicating.

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The viral epidemic is also wreaking havoc in parts of western Maharashtra. Dr Awate said tests by National Institute of Virology, Pune, have found that influenza A, H3N2 and respiratory syncytial virus are perhaps responsible for the ailments.

Haffkine Research Institute director Dr Nishigandha Naik said only 4-5 samples were positive for H1N1 from Mumbai out of the 40-odd tested between August-September. A senior civic official said fever caused 10,000 hospitalisations at the public sector in August too.