Maharashtra loses 71 to swine flu virus in three months

Mumbai: Despite the state government's claim of curbing swine flu and stopping the spread of H1N1 virus, Maharashtra has witnessed 71 deaths due to swine flu in the last three months.

While 928 new cases of swine flu have emerged, treatment on these patients has started in different civic and government-run hospitals in the state, said health officials.  

According to state health officials, due to the change in weather patterns, the prevalence of swine flu has increased across the state.

From January to March, 71 people have died due to swine flu.

928 patients have been detected with swine flu and are currently being treated for the disease.

When asked why the government has failed to restrain the spread of swine flu despite change in weather from cold to hot and humid, Dr Pradeep Awate, state surveillance officer for infectious diseases, told The Asian Age, “Taking into consideration rising instances of swine flu, the state is working through various mediums to control the spread of the virus.”

“Guidelines have been issued on how to treat a serious case of swine flu. Yet, swine flu cases have increased.  The awareness part in citizens is a must and they have to take precautions themselves to prevent being infected,” Dr Awate said.  

Dr Awate stressed that if patients were repeatedly getting fever since a couple of weeks, it was important that they consulted a doctor instead of indulging in self- medication.  

The highest number of swine flu deaths had taken place in Nashik with 17 patients who died, followed by Nagpur with 14 deaths.

Apart from this, 10 people had died due to swine flu in Pune. And five deaths had been recorded in places like Kolhapur and Ahmednagar, respectively.