Chennai: After almost a year’s lull, swine flu has resurfaced sending panic waves across the nation. The influenza which struck pretty early this year in several states has sent fear vibes among the parents whose children would be facing the annual examinations soon. Telangana and Karnataka appear to be the worst affected states while Tamil Nadu has seen a spike in the cases.
The Union health ministry has alerted the states to take appropriate measures to contain the spread of the influenza, and many states have geared up their health and civic departments to effectively tackle the H1N1, as its symptoms are similar to the regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigues.
Diarrhoea and vomiting too are associated with the swine flu. Though infectious diseases experts blame the humid temperature for the steep rise in the cases, Telangana has seen about 17 swine flu related deaths till last month, and probably the first state to register fatalities this season. It has reported 1,068 positive cases. During the first two months, Karnataka has reported two deaths.
Swine flu cases are going up in number across South India, while the northern states are comparatively better. The number of swine flu cases in Mysuru in 2017 has gone up to 27, taking the total number of cases in Karnataka to 344. Tamil Nadu has witnessed over 1,000 cases this year and 9 people have succumbed to the virus so far.
Delhi with about 6 deaths from out of 1,500 H1N1 infection cases appears to indicate timely and effective treatment. Uttarakhand reported its first case of the virus.
The deaths are higher in states where awareness is lower. Since the last few days, 100 people have died of the infection, with Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest deaths. Bihar has reported no cases or deaths. In Uttar Pradesh 115 of the 388 suspected cases have tested positive for H1N1 influenza and Lucknow alone accounted for 78 cases and three deaths.
