Recorded number of deaths from swine flu in India has now crossed the 1000 mark. As per the latest figures issued by the Health Ministry, around 1,075 people have already lost their lives to the deadly virus. Moreover, 19,972 people remain affected by the flu which is spreading through the country. Recently, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor also tested positive for swine flu and is currently being treated for the same.
Gujarat remains the worst affected state with at least 265 swine flu casualties to its name. Rajasthan is second in line with 261 swine flu deaths. Even in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, swine flu has claimed 153 and 143 lives, respectively. Other states like Telangana, Punjab, Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh have also recorded swine flu related deaths in double figures.
Widespread rain in several parts of the country has given birth to conditions which may prove to be conducive for the spread of the swine flu virus. In the last ten years, Rajkot and Ahmedabad have received rain in March only on one occasion. But this year, starting from the tail end of February to the first couple of days in March, both these cities have received good amount of rain. Moreover, widespread and heavy rain also lashed across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The overcast and humid conditions prevailing in these states allow the swine flu virus to sustain for longer duration. This leads to higher risk and vulnerability in terms of exposure and contraction.
Meanwhile, authorities in the country have repeatedly asserted that there is no need to panic. The government has declared that it is handling the situation very seriously. World health Organization (WHO) is also closely monitoring the swine flu situation in India. In addition to this, heads of different states have also taken steps to control the swine flu onslaught. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that his government will bear the cost of swine flu treatment in the state. Also, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered for free treatment of swine flu in the state. Meanwhile, in Ahmedabad, large public gatherings have been banned in order to prevent the spread of swine flu.