Gujarat sees two swine flu deaths, 28 cases in 24 hours

A fall in temperatures has increased the number of swine flu cases in Gujarat. Ahemdabad alone has reported 28 cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, and counting. As a preventive measure, the local civic body has started several awareness activities across schools.

The state government has also called a meeting of all health officials across the state in the wake of the sudden rise in the H1N1 cases being reported. Jamnagar and Kutch are two districts severely affected due to swine flu, which was also discussed in this meeting.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education, Environment and Urban Development, Shakar Chaudhary informed that more than 1000 cases of H1N1 have been reported in July this year, of which 150 patients couldn't survive.

"In the current month, a total of 151 cases of swine flu and 15 deaths have been reported. We have issued an advisory for people, the first and foremost is to avoid visiting crowded places. Cover your nose and face if you can't avoid going out. Don't shake hands and in case of fever or cold, and cough contact doctors immediately," said Dr Bhavin Solanki, in-charge medical officer of health, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). Dr Solanki also informed that they have enough supply of tamiflu tablets.

Also in the wake of the sudden surge, the civic body has increased the capacity of beds in the isolation ward. "We have increased the capacity of isolation ward, now we have capacity for 30 patients, which was earlier for only 10," said Dr ST Malhan, superintendent of VS Hospital.