Swine flu outbreak in North India is a lot worse than last year

• At least 6,700 people were reported as diagnosed with swine flu so far this year in four states in North India
  
• The highest number of swine flu cases have been diagnosed in Rajasthan followed by Delhi.
  
• New Delhi has recorded at 1,196 cases with 100 fresh cases of swine flu on Thursday alone.
  

Four states in North India including Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana have been badly hit by the spread of H1N1 virus, with the latest data indicating a major outbreak of swine flu. That is at least five times higher than what was seen last year.

As of Thursday, the 6,701 people have been diagnosed with swine flu with 226 reported deaths in the four states, Hindustan Times reported citing data from National Centre for Disease Control. Only 798 cases were reported during January and February last year.

In the national capital, over 1,196 were reported as of Thursday, with 100 fresh cases of swine flu reported on Thursday alone, IANS reported citing data from Directorate General of Health Services. Only one death has been reported in Delhi so far. In 2018, there were only 205 cases of swine flu in New Delhi.

Rajasthan appears to be the worst hit, with 2,706 cases so far this year and five swine flu-related deaths reported on Thursday, taking the toll to 96, according to the IANS report.

Snow-covered Himachal Pradesh is also battling swine flu. As of now, 16 people have reportedly died, and 113 diagnosed, according to Hindustan Times. Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Rajeev Bindal was been diagnosed positive for swine flu on Thursday.

Medical experts believe that the H1N1 virus can attack every alternate year and people with low immunity are the most vulnerable. Long winters in northern parts of India may have helped the virus to live longer, thus spreading the disease, say experts.

India’s government has issued an advisory to all the states directing them to step up efforts to combat the epidemic.

H1N1 is an airborne viral disease that can spread through coughing and sneezing and even indirect contact like touching a contaminated object or surface such as door knobs, cell phones and computers.

"The symptoms include fever and cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing. Other symptoms may include body aches, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhea and vomiting, and blood-stained sputum," the government advisory said, adding that children and elderly with weak immunity are more at risk.

(With IANS inputs)

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