Erratic weather behind suspected H1N1 cases in Mumbai

Following reports of swine flu cases coming in from Pune and northern parts of the country, city doctors too are witnessing a few suspected cases. While they await reports, city doctors say the H1N1 strain is showing some variations, even as they suspect the fluctuating temperature as the primary cause for the flu’s recurrence.

Stating that the unusually cold weather could be the reason for the cases, infectious disease expert at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital Dr Tanu Singhnal said, “The few suspected swine-flu cases we received are being treated symptomatically.”

There are other city hospitals though that have been sending swabs for H1N1 confirmation to Pune and awaiting results. A well-known infectious specialist from a reputed South Mumbai hospital, who has sent 3-4 samples to NIV, Pune, however, said it would be too early to say anything, as the virus is undergoing some transformation.

Confirming that the erratic weather transition was the prime cause of the H1N1 raising its ugly head, state surveillance officer Dr Pradip Awate said, “Though winter has led to sporadic swine-flu cases in state, there’re no positive H1N1 cases reported in the city.”

As per figures available with the state health department, the number of H1N1-positive cases in the state since April 2011 stands at 33. Of these, three people - one each from Nashik, Kolhapur and Sangli - succumbed to the infection.

“The H1N1 virus is entrenched in the community, hence, one or two cases will continue to be seen periodically, but there is nothing to worry about,” Dr Awate said.

In fact, city doctors are seeing a general rise in upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, diarrohea. “I am seeing at least 8 to 10 respiratory cases in a day and 5-6 cases of pneumonia in a week. The fluctuation in the day’s temperature is triggering the infections,” said Dr Pratit Samdhani, consultant physician, Jaslok hospital.

Agreeing with Samdhani, Singhnal said, “Upper respiratory cases affecting mostly the children and senior citizens are being reported in many cases.”