Rains increase WHO's swine flu concerns

While most of us are dancing at the first sight of the rains, the monsoons may force the swine flu epidemic in the country to take an ugly turn.

While most of us are dancing at the first sight of the rains, the monsoons may force the swine flu epidemic in the country to take an ugly turn.

According to WHO officials, with the city experiencing its first downpour, there may be an increase in virus activity.

Bring On The Rains: These kids at Cuffe Parade were all geared up for the moon yesterday.

According to seasonal virus patterns in India, the country experiences two peaks one in July at the start of the rains and the other in November at the start of winter.
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"The Influenza A (H1N1) is a new strain of the swine virus and there is limited scientific evidence on its relation with the monsoon and winter.

It is likely that the A (H1N1) increase activity and the pattern of transmission may follow the seasonal influenza," said a WHO spokesperson.
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'Don't panic'

City officials were quick to play down warning bells even as Maharashtra's third confirmed case was detected in Pune yesterday.
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"We have already identified and started Tamiflu for contacts of the second case in the city that was detected on Sunday.

With regards to the rains, the infection spreads in close contact and cases are limited, so we don't unnecessarily want to send anyone into a panic situation," said Dr Uddhav Gawande, deputy director, health services in Maharashtra.

However, officials at the Directorate of Health Services did say that considerations were being made to expand the current facility at Kasturba Hospital in the eventuality of a rise in cases.
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"We are looking at more government centres to handle isolation cases in and around the city. Nothing is certain now, though," said an official in the directorate.

How to be infection free
Wash hands frequently
Practice good flu etiquette (Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing)
Avoid crowded places
Seek medical help promptly if symptoms are prolonged

Flu in India
India so far has 63 confirmed cases of swine flu
Maharashtra has 3 confirmed cases

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