Swine Flu Cases On The Rise As It Claims 72 Lives In Rajasthan, New Cases Registered In Gurugram And Punjab

A sudden spurt in the number of Swine Flu cases in Rajasthan have claimed 72 lives and have already affected 1,856 patients. The numbers are only increasing and are demanding stringent measures.

ANI reported that Dausa, Tonk, Churu, Sikar, Pali, Kota, Jodhpur, Barmer, Udaipur and the pink city Jaipur were reported to have positive cases of H1N1 virus.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has put the onus of swine flu deaths on the health department. TOI reported that in its guidelines issued to the health department, it has expressed the need for taking immediate measures and ensuring timely treatment for preventing mortalities in the state.

Photo: BCCL

Dr Ravi Prakash Mathur, additional director (rural health), health department told TOI, ¡°The NIV confirmed that it is the same Michigan strain of swine flu which has been circulating in the state.¡±

NIV has even issued the recommendation of vaccinations for doctors and paramedical staff who are posted at isolation ward, swine flu ward, ICU as well as laboratories. In fact, people who are conducting surveys of Swine Flu affected areas or are part of rapid response teams have also been asked to take precautions.

Meanwhile, 26 people in Gurugram, Haryana were also diagnosed with fresh cases of Swine Flu. HT reported that eight new positive cases of the H1N1 influenza were reported from the district between Thursday and Saturday.

Photo: BCCL

In Punjab also, 20 people died within the first month of January due to this deadly virus. The highest number of positive cases for the respiratory disease were reported from Patiala and Ludhiana with 20 from each district.

Usually cases of this disease are higher around January and February. Caused by various Swine Influenza viruses, the H1N1 strain is the most common in the country. H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touches an infected person or breathes droplets of cough and sneezes them into the air.

The disease is categorized into Type A,B and C with type C demanding hospitalization.