Man dies of swine flu in Rajasthan, death count rises to 86

The number of dead due to swine flue in Rajasthan has increased to 86 with one more death reported in Bhilwara district, officials said on Monday.

The total number of positive cases in the state is 2,455. 25 out of total 86 deaths have occured in Jodhpur alone between January 1 and February 4.

The latest death in Bhilwara district took place on Friday, February 1, 2029.

Taking note of the situation, the state health department has again started a screening campaign in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Ajmer districts. According to a health department official, more than seven lakh people have been screened on the very first day of the campaign.

Talking about Himachal Pradesh, as many as 86 positive cases came to light, posing a tough challenge in front of the state government. In the wake of this vigorous situation, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur directed health officials to ensure effective steps for monitoring and to curb H1N1 virus in the state. Special medical team have been also deployed in the worst-hit areas.

Last month, at least 11 people have lost their lives due to H1N1 influenza in Uttarakhand. Since January, around 25 cases have been reported in the state out of which 11 people have succumbed to the deadly virus.

Swine flu, also known as H1N1 flu, is a human respiratory infection, caused by a Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) that started in pigs. H1N1 spreads if individual touches an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air.

The symptoms of swine flue are often similar to that of seasonal flu or viral fever and, hence, should not be ignored. The H1N1 virus can prove to be fatal in case of diabetics, children or elderly people.