Mumbai's swine flu death toll in August reaches 13

Mumbai, Aug 21: Swine flu has claimed two more lives in the city, taking the total number of deaths due to the disease this month to 13, official data said.

The number of victims the H1N1 influenza has claimed in the metropolis since January this has touched 40, it added.

According to the daily report issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the latest victims of the H1N1 virus were - a 76-year-old suburban Ghatkopar resident and an 80-year-old woman from suburban Malad.

Total 2,427 swine flu cases have been reported in the city so far this year, it said. According to the civic body's fortnightly report, the first two weeks of this month witnessed a spurt in all monsoon-related ailments.

Between July 1 and 15, total 3,563 cases of fever, 72 cases of H1N1, 337 cases of Malaria, 22 of dengue, 60 cases of Leptospirosis had been reported.

"However, these figures went up in the first fortnight of August, with total 4,405 cases of fever, 228 cases of H1N1, 380 cases of Malaria, 33 of dengue and 21 cases of Leptospirosis being registered," the report added.

While total 90 H1N1 cases were reported in the first week of August, the number rose to 138 in the second week.

A statement issued by Executive Health Officer said that a special drive for the H1N1 vaccination for pregnant women has been launched and till this afternoon, 130 doses were administered in four designated centres of BMC.

Highlighting the action taken to control the diseases, it said the administration has surveyed 862 houses covering a population of 3,216, out of which 21 fever cases were detected and referred to dispensaries.

PTI