Swine flu scare forces closure of vegetable markets in Pune

Pune, Aug 14 (ANI): The swine flu scare has triggered panic button across Pune. Civic authorities have ordered the closure of vegetable markets for three days since Thursday.

This move was initiated as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of swine flu after the death of a 70-year-old woman due to H1N1 virus.

Reportedly, the markets will reopen on Sunday.

As per recent statistics, the total toll of swine flu deaths in country is 23 and in Pune alone, 15 patients succumbed.

Although the vegetable markets have been ordered to close, vendors are not unhappy as they realize that the proposal is aimed at averting the spread of swine flu.

"I am not worried about the losses. I am more concerned about my health. It is not only that vegetable market that is closed but whole of Pune is closed," said Suresh Waigankar, a vegetable vendor, Mahatma Phule Market.

Meanwhile, several housewives have expressed their displeasure over the instant hike in the prices of vegetables.

Reportedly, with the closure of the wholesale market, the retail vendors of vegetables have raised the prices.

"Due to swine flu, vegetable market is closed for three days. Those vegetable sellers who already have a stock of vegetables are selling at higher prices. In the morning itself when I went to buy vegetables, I found out that vegetables, which were available at the price of 15 rupees per kilogram, are now being sold at 18 to 20 rupees per kilogram," said Sunita Ranjane, a housewife.

India recorded its first H1N1 case in Hyderabad in May and since then the virus has spread across the country with dozens of cases reported from Pune itself. (ANI)