Swine flu claims 3 more lives

Almost two months later, swine flu continues to take heavy toll in Gujarat. On Monday, three more patients succumbed to the H1N1 virus, even as more than 50 new cases were reported.

Officials said that three swine flu deaths were reported in the state on Monday, the same as the previous day. As a result, swine flu death toll in the state touched 418, the second highest in the country after Maharashtra, where the virus has so far claimed about 475 lives.

Of the 418 deaths, over 350 have been reported since August. According to officials, August saw an average of 9-10 deaths because of swine flu per day. The number of deaths has fallen to three-four per day this month.

The number of new swine flu cases have also declined. A state government release said that from over 200 cases on an average last month, the number has fallen to about 60-70 this month. On Monday, 51 new swine flu cases were confirmed in the state.

"The number of swine flu cases has declined by about 60% from last week," the release said.

No swine flu case was reported from 17 districts and six municipal corporations, while only one case each was reported from eight districts.

"Swine flu intensity has fallen in both urban and rural areas," the release added.