104 fresh cases of swine flu were reported in the state in the past 24 hours along with three deaths
A combination of factors including high population density as well as prevalence of weather that further aids in spread of the disease, is what has pushed Ahmedabad into the top position as far as swine flu cases are concerned.
As per AMC data the 780 Swine Flu cases and 16 deaths have been reported so far in Ahmedabad this year. Of these, more than 70 per cent cases were recorded in the month of February. Compared to this Surat has seen over 77 cases and one death this year. The state has in all seen 1245 cases in February so far. Besides, 104 fresh cases of swine flu were reported in the state in the past 24 hours along with three deaths. Forty of these cases were from areas within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction.
Dr Kaushik Upadhyay, State Rapid Response Team physician said that when one talks about the number of cases one should also look at the density of the area that is being talked about. "Overcrowding aids in the spread of the disease and overall the hygiene habits of people are not upto the mark. Moreover, Ahmedabad is a city with high population density. This means if one person were to suffer from a contagious disease it is far more likely to spread in overcrowded conditions than in areas where the population is dispersed," said Dr Upadhyay.
To a question as to why Surat that too has high density population records lower cases than Ahmedabad, he said here another important factor, weather is at play.
Places like Surat are on the coastal belt where the weather is comparatively warmer. "This is the reason why coastal areas will see lower mortality due to Swine Flu. The warm weather helps in battling the spread of the disease," said Dr Upadhyay.
He said that the state machinery was actively involved in preventing the spread of the disease. "We have also been carrying out awareness campaign. Moreover, everytime a case is reported health workers take precautionary methods to ensure that the family members of the patients are not affected. The machinery also surveys at least 10 other households in the nearby area to ensure that other cases if any are detected early," said Dr Upadhyay.
Dr Gaurav Dahiya, mission director, National Health Mission said that the city has a higher population, higher percentage of slums and a more cosmopolitan nature than other cities of Gujarat. "The city attracts a lot of people from other states. This also makes it more vulnerable in case of such diseases. Added to it the city is the most populated of all cities and has high number of slums where more people live in close proximity," said Dr Dahiya.
LATEST REPORT
- 104 fresh cases of swine flu were reported in the state in the past 24 hours along with three deaths. Forty of these cases were from areas within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction.
- More than 70 per cent cases were recorded in the month of February.
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