Swine flu claims 12 more lives in Gujarat, toll touches 136

Ahmedabad, Feb 15: Swine flu on Saturday claimed 12 more lives in Gujarat, taking the toll to 136 since January, while 130 new cases were reported, officials said. [What is swine flu? How can you protect yourself from it]

Today's deaths were reported from Ahmedabad (4), Surat (3) and one each from Kutch, Vadodara, Navsari, Arvalli and Gandhinagar districts, a government statement said.

The total number of positive swine flu cases in the new year touched 1,522, the statement added. The administration also held an emergency meeting to review the situation.

The total number of positive swine flu cases in the new year touched 1,522, the statement added.

The government has announced that it would launch a helpline for obtaining information about the disease.

Chief Secretary D J Pandian held a meeting with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation officers to review the situation. "AMC will launch a helpline by tomorrow and a control-room will be set up to answer the queries related to swine flu," Pandian said.

While admitting to shortage of Tami Flu tablets, he said the government would ensure that medicines are available at all the places where swine flu cases have been reported.

"We will also make all the necessary arrangement for treatment at dedicated wards in hospitals," he added.

PTI