Via Times of India :
" Swine flu, which took to epidemic proportions in the year 2009, continues to be a threat. As per health ministry data on state-wise prevalence of the disease, a total of 610 people have died due to the viral infection this year in the country.
Of this, maximum number of deaths, 196, have been reported from Gujarat, followed by Rajasthan (163), Maharashtra (90), Punjab (42), Haryana (41) and Madhya Pradesh (31). Delhi has reported 1,507 cases of swine flu and 16 deaths since January 1.
While the reason behind the spurt is being investigated, experts say a mutation in the virus may have played a role. "Any new virus takes five to six years to settle down in a population. Reporting of cases in between is not unusual. However, people are advised to take precautions such as maintaining good hygiene, trying to avoid contact with infected persons and see a doctor if somebody has difficulty in breathing or cough up blood," said a senior doctor.
The nodal officer for swine flu in Delhi, Dr Charan Singh, said that most swine flu cases were reported in January and February. "Only one to two cases have been reported in last one month. There is no reason to panic. Our hospitals and designated laboratories are fully equipped to diagnose and treat such patients," he said. The health department, he added, has directed all hospitals to stay alert and follow the H1N1 protocol as laid down by the ministry in the wake to the 2009 epidemic."
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