Swine flu spreads, Kolkata reports 31 cases

Kolkata, Feb 17: As many as four fresh cases of swine flu were detected here in the last two days, a West Bengal health department official said Tuesday. However, there have been no fresh deaths.

As many as 31 people have been afflicted with influenza, with two deaths recorded in Kolkata so far. [Swine flu spreads, Kolkata reports 31 cases]

"The total cases are 31 till Monday. No additional deaths were reported. The state is stocked with the required drugs and the situation is under control," State Health Secretary Moloy Dey told.

Tests were being conducted at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) facility in Beleghata.

The official said oseltemavir tablets and masks are in stock. Hospitals and medical colleges have been asked to remain extremely watchful.

Swine flu has claimed the lives of 407 people across India this year, the union health ministry said.

During the period January 1 to February 10, the total number of H1N1 cases was 5,157.

Most cases were from Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, whereas the deaths were largely from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana.

IANS