More Samples Sent for Swine Flu Testing in Goa

The Directorate of Health Services, Goa, sent a few more samples from suspected swine flu patients to the National Disease Control Center (NDCC), New Delhi, for testing.

The state has registered 16 cases of swine flu till date, including one death, but the directorate still does not see any cause for worry.

Swine Flu | Swine Influenza | Hog Flu | Pig Flu
Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you're safe this season.

Dr. Utkarsh Betodkar, state epidemiologist, said that they have received reports of all 69 samples sent for testing, of which 16 tested positive. "Except last week, when we registered four cases, during the rest of the weeks it is just one or two cases," said Betodkar.

All persons who had tested positive have been treated and sent home. One of the patients from Ratnagiri is still undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, which has an isolation facility for swine flu patients. Chicalim hospital also has a separate ward for patients infected with the virus.

Warnings Over Bird Flu, Swine Flu Viruses Issued by Experts
More than 1,700 lives have been jointly claimed by the H7N9 bird flu virus in China and the H1N1 swine flu virus in India causing scientists to sound warnings.

Source-Medindia

Swine Flu Epidemic in India More Dangerous Due to Mutations in H1N1 Virus
The Indian strains of H1N1 virus carry new mutations in the hemagglutinin protein that are known to make the virus unpredictable and hence, more dangerous.

Congress Leader PC Chacko Criticizes Government on Its Swine Flu Response
Senior Congress leader P.C. Chacko has criticized the BJP government for remaining a mute witness to the swine flu epidemic.