Health officials in Mumbai, Maharashtra, are on high alert as the swine flu (H1N1 virus) has returned to the city and at least four infected individuals are currently receiving life-support. A total of 142 Swine Flu cases have been reported from various regions of the state since the start of the year. Seven people have died as a result of the H1N1 virus, according to a recent report from Maharashtra’s Public Health Department: two in Pune, three in Kolhapur, and two in Thane in July.
Free Testing for Swine Flu in Thane
Meanwhile, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced free testing to detect swine flu cases. People can go to civic body’s health centres across Thane to avail free testing facility. However, a doctor’s recommendation is needed for testing.
A total of 20 cases of swine flu were detected in Thane city so far this month and 15 patients recovered, while two others died, PTI reported citing the TMC’s release.
The civic body also conducted a survey of houses where swine flu patients were found but did not found any new swine flu case.
Not only Maharashtra, cases of Influenza H1N1 (swine flu) in others parts of the country have raised an alarm for a new threat. Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have also confirmed several Swine Flu cases so far, prompting authorities into action.
What do Doctors Say About Sudden Rise in H1N1 Cases?
Doctors have warned that the official numbers don’t reflect reality due to limited testing
According to Dr. Sangeeta Ravat, dean of Parel’s KEM Hospital, they find five to six H1N1 cases that are positive each day.
Testing is limited since most public hospitals lack the necessary equipment and tests at private facilities cost between Rs 2000 and Rs 2500. Dr. Bela Verma of JJ Hospital was mentioned in the Times of India as saying.
According to Dr. Sanjay Pujari, a member of the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) Covid task committee, the increase in cases often occurs during the winter in the northern region and the monsoon season in the southern region of the nation. Therefore, high-risk individuals should receive the H1N1 vaccine at least two to three months prior to the season, according to Dr. Pujari.
What is H1N1 influenza or swine flu?
Type A influenza viruses are what cause the respiratory illness known as “swine flu” in pigs. Coming into contact with infected pigs can result in it, which affects the human respiratory system. It’s possible for the H1NI virus to move from person to person.
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