Swine Flu: 261 deaths reported in 2 months

New Delhi, Feb 28: The rapid increase in swine flu is clear in the details released by the health ministry. In January and February 2013, 261 swine- flu related deaths have taken place. While maximum number of cases have been reported in New Delhi, the highest number of deaths have been reported in Rajasthan.

A total of 2,329 people tested positive for the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, which causes swine flu, in 35 states and union territories. However, the capital has reported the highest number of case with a total of 834 although Rajasthan has reported the highest number of deaths at 107. Rajasthan has reported 564 cases while Haryana has reported 205 cases.

According to reports, the highest number of cases were reported in 2009 (27,236), followed by 2010 (20,604) and 2012 (5,054 cases).

Recently, taking note of the rapidly increasing number of cases of swine flu, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had instructed the health department to launch a campaign to tackle the situation. During a high-level meeting which was called for on Feb 22 to review the situation, Dikshit had said, "I have asked the Health department to launch a campaign through the media and outdoor advertising to increase awareness on symptoms and precautions that can and should be taken,"

The meeting was attended by Health Minister A K Walia, Chief Secretary D M Spolia, Health Secretary S C L Das, officials of National Centre for Disease Control and medical superintendents of 22 designated government and private hospitals were present in the meeting.

Oneindia News