Gujarat: Swine flu claims 9 more lives, toll rises to 176

Swine flu claimed nine more lives in Gujarat, taking the toll to 176 since January this year, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

180 new swine flu cases were recorded across the state today, taking the total number of such cases to 2,371 so far.

"Gujarat reported nine swine flu deaths today, taking the total number of deaths to 176, while 180 new H1N1 cases were reported today," the release said.

Of these nine deaths, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Gandhinagar and Kutch district recorded two deaths each, while one death was recorded in Patan district today.

As part of its exercise to control swine flu outbreak and reach out to maximum number of people who need information and treatment, the state government today said that the '108' emergency number would also be used as a swine flu helpline now onwards.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Minister of State for Health Shanker Chaudhari visited Kutch and held a meeting with health officials at Bhuj today.

Talking to reporters, Chaudhari said that swine flu cases are on the decline.

"Due to steps taken by the local administration and health department in Kutch, there is 50 per cent decline in new H1N1 cases. They will decline further since the temperature is rising," Chaudhari said.