New Delhi, February 8-Swine flu virus is spreading out again in the Capital with government recording 60 cases already so far this year. Three people have died till now though the Delhi government insists there is no need to panic as it is prepared for timely management and treatment of cases.
There has been a sudden spurt in the number of cases in the first two months this year. Only four cases were reported during the same period in 2012 with 78 cases and one death reported in the entire year.
Going by the government data, 2011 was better off too with just four cases reported in January and February with one patient dying. In all, only 22 positive cases of swine flu were reported year before last with two deaths.
“The number of cases during this period is more as compared to last year. But there is no need to panic. It’s a seasonal flu and we have already checked that there is no change in the strain of the virus,” state health minister Dr A.K. Walia said.
Walia called a meeting of senior health officials on Thursday including secretary (health), director (health services), representatives of National Institute of Communicable Diseases(NICD), and medical superintendents of concerned government and private hospitals.
Sample testing will be done at eight labs in the city including the ones at AIIMS, Patel Chest and National Institute of Communicable Diseases. Walia also urged public to take adequate precautions.
This killer flu has also claimed 20 lives in Punjab, four in Haryana and one in Chandigarh this year. Dr Deepak Bhatia, Punjab surveillance officer of the integrated disease surveillance project, said they referred the issue to the central lab for an update on the possible mutation.
UT health department authorities say local hospitals have confirmed 24 cases so far.
