India is once more gripped by the swine flu fever. Three more people succumbed to swine flu and 19 more are reported to have already contracted the H1N1 virus in Pune. Reports have confirmed that out of the 19, nearly 17 people suffering from swine flu are hospitalized in a critical state, and are receiving treatment at hospitals in Pune.
Like dengue, swine flu also has the country in its grip. Recent times are showing a huge increase in the number of swine flu cases and Pune also has suffered almost 134 deaths because of this deadly H1N1 virus, out of which about 46 belonged to Pune, and about 810 people have died countrywide, because of the infection. The recent three deaths reported are from Latur, Pune and Kolhapur. Out of these, the first was a 47 year old man who hailed from Satar Dt in Pune, the other death was of a 60 year old man from Bangewadi village, Latur District, and the third death recorded was of a woman who was 42 years of age, who succumbed to the infection at one of Kolhapur’s private hospitals.
Besides this about 19 more cases have been recorded out of which 17 are critically ill because of the H1N1 virus, and they are at present being provided medical aid in Pune hospitals. A State official has given a statement “Seven more people tested positive for the infection on Saturday. This has taken the number of swine flu cases in Maharashtra to 8,241 so far this year. Including Saturday’s three casualties, 810 people have died from the H1N1 virus in the state so far this year.”
Almost 2634 people with flu like symptoms were held under the scanner for swine flu by the authorities yesterday and out of them about 240 swine flu suspected cases, were prescribed Tamiflu tablets.
.The swine flu virus it seems is thriving well in the extended rainy season of this year, and the temperature seems to be conducive for the growth of the virus. A health official was heard stating “Rain has been recorded at many places across the state. All types of influenza viruses, including H1N1, grow and spread very fast during such climate. Besides, several festivals fall in September and October, during which people mingle in large numbers. The crowds can lead to rapid spread of infections. Hence, we are seeing more cases during this period.” The health officials say that pregnant women, elderly, immune system compromised individuals need to stay away from crowded areas. People who are already suffering from influenza symptoms need to be very careful when they head out from their home.
The medical officer of health, Pune Municipal Corporation, S T Pardeshi, confirmed “People don’t go for treatment despite having influenza-like symptoms. Delayed treatment has been one of the main causes of swine flu deaths this year.”
