Swine flu situation under control, says Govt

New Delhi: Some good news amidst the gloom. Doctors in Gujarat have confirmed the second death in the state due to swine flu. But there is some good news - The National Institute of Virology in Pune says the transmission rate has dropped.

Gujarat has recorded its second death due to swine flu - a 57-year-old woman succumbed to the virus. The virus is in circulation in most parts of the country, though Delhi is relatively better off so far.

AK Walia, Delhi Health Minister, says, "There have been 6 cases of swine flu reported in Delhi from January to April this year. No deaths due to swine flu in Delhi this year."

The National Institute of Virology in Pune says the transmission rate has dropped.

Unlike the 2009 outbreak, health authorities say they're well-prepared.

The good news is that the treatment and the vaccines are still effective. The National Institute of Virology in Pune has just completed genome mapping of the virus - and found it's from the same group as the 2009 outbreak.

The health ministry has released a statement acknowledging the spurt in cases. "In March-April, 2012, there is increased number of cases of Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 reported from the State of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Small pockets of population who remained unexposed to the pandemic and susceptible would be affected. In first week of March almost 30 per cent of referred samples were positive for H1N1 in Pune which has come down to approximately 10 per cent now," the statement says.

Remember it’s the elderly, children, or people with chronic ailments like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems who are most at risk. So do not delay in reporting any flu like symptoms to your doctor, get tested and ask for advice on vaccination.

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