Swine flu strikes back in Jodhpur, three dead, 88 tested positive

Swine flu has made a comeback in Rajasthan with 88 people tested positive for the disease and 3 persons succumbing to the disease since the beginning of the New Year. People from Ajmer, Tonk, Jodhpur, Pali, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Kota, Udaipur have been diagnosed positive for the disease. According to reports, two doctors of Sawai Man Singh Hospital have also been tested positive.

Considering the gravity of the situation, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has directed health department officials to check the spread of swine flu in the state with special focus on Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur, and Baran districts. These five districts have seen a sharp rise in the number of swine flu cases in recent months.

The chief minister was apprised on the preparedness of the administration to curb the spread of swine flu. The principal of state-run SMS Hospital Sudhir Bhandari told him that every measure has been taken to curb it in Jaipur.

Gehlot has directed a team of the state-run Hospital to visit other medical colleges and hospitals in the state and coordinate with the health department staff to curb the spread of the disease. He asked officials to ensure availability of required medicines at all hospitals and Primary Health Centres.     

As per the data available with the medical and health department, a total of 22,172 people in the state were tested for swine flu from January 1 to December 28. Out of them, 2,315 were diagnosed positive and 218 died.          

Meanwhile, State Medical and Health Minister Raghu Sharma has directed staff at control rooms to remain alert and work in an effective manner. To review the preventive measures taken up by the state, a video conference meeting will be held on Monday. Principals of medical colleges, superintendents of hospital and officers at the district and block-level will attend the meeting.