This Year Swine Flu Outbreak Has Been Far Higher All Over India Since 2009

Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. It originated in pigs but is spread primarily from person to person. Lt Governor Anil Baijal directed the Health Department to coordinate with experts of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for better response to the currently circulating strain of influenza H1N1 virus (swine flu).

Baijal, who was informed about the trend, preparedness levels and precautionary measures regarding seasonal influenza H1N during a review meeting, expressed concern over the spread in cases of swine flu this year possibly due to a more virulent strain doing rounds this time than 2009 with fatalities caused across the country this season being more than the previous years.

Officials from the Director General Health Services said there was a peak of H1N1 cases in August, but over the last one week cases have been on the decline. According to the government, this year the outbreak has been far higher all over India since 2009 due to a more fatal viral strain.

The LG convened a meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, along with senior officers of respective city agencies, to review and discuss the status of dengue, chikungunya and H1N1 and steps taken the health department as well as the municipal bodies on the preparedness measures as decided in the previous meetings.

Capping has been done on H1N1 diagnostic test to prevent overcharging while sufficient quantity of Tami Flu capsules and other logistics have been supplied to all government hospitals and vaccines for the same have been procured and supplied to the hospitals, the LG was informed.

Source-Medindia