The deadly swine flu has claimed 191 lives in January causing panic among the people of India. 49 fresh cases have been reported in the national capital alone. Five people have already been reported dead this year, increasing the total disease count to 488 this year.
The H1N1 virus has not only affected Delhi but other parts of the country as well. There have been 1,038 cases recorded so far this year. The death toll in Rajasthan this year rose to 49 after ten new deaths were reported on February 2. The deadly virus did not even spare the former Chief Minister of the state, Ashok Gehlot. Although, with proper treatment, there has been significant improvement in his condition.
In Andhra Pradesh, MP Kothapalli Geetha was tested positive for swine flu. 32 people have been tested positive for the flu. The government has directed hospitals in 13 districts to take appropriate measures. In Telangana, 25 people have been reported dead due to getting infected from the virus.
Gujarat also remained under the tight grip of Swine Flu. The death toll in the state in January reached to 37. On February, the virus claimed six lives including three in the Kutch region along with one each in Anand, Surat and Ahmedabad. On Sunday, 25 new cases were reported, increasing the infected count to 267 in January.
The main reason behind the increasing infected cases is the cold weather. Decreasing temperatures along with humidity pave way for the virus to spread further causing infections. The conditions will only improve once the affected areas of the country experience consistent warmer days.
Meanwhile, the Centre on February 2 has said that swine flu deaths are preventable if given immediate medical treatment. The surge in cases are being closely monitored by the centre. Also patients have been advised to not take the drug, Tamiflu as a precautionary measure without it being prescribed by a doctor.
