State sees 30 Swine flu deaths in Jan, Feb alone

Mumbai: Thirty swine flu deaths were recorded in the first two months of 2019 in Maharashtra. With change in weather and fluctuating temperatures, Maharashtra has been witnessing a rise in swine flu cases, health officials said.

There has been a surge in swine flu cases, with 562 people infected and 30 lives lost in January and February alone in Maharashtra this year. In comparison, 15 cases of swine flu and four deaths were reported in the corresponding two months last year.

According to official data, the state ranks fifth in the country when it comes to fatalities. However, national data also revealed that Maharashtra's mortality rate was double that of Rajasthan, the state with the most H1N1 deaths.

In the state, Nagpur witnessed the highest number of swine flu deaths with nine people falling prey to the disease. While six people lost their lives due to swine flu in Nashik.

The state government has failed to put in its best efforts to curb the disease. Experts have attributed the rise in H1N1 cases and casualties to the cold wave conditions in most parts of the country, including Maharashtra, during the winter.