Mumbai: Swine flu rising, keep that mask on!

Swine flu cases in the state have seen an uptick in the past fortnight, with a majority of the cases being reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Of the 38 cases reported across Maharashtra, 22 or 55 per cent are from Palghar and 15 or 39 per cent are from Mumbai, said health officials.

One fatality due to the infection has been reported in Kolhapur. Experts have advised citizens to maintain hygiene and wear a mask.

Health officials said along with other monsoon-related ailments, swine flu is also gaining momentum in the city and the state.

Also read: Mumbai reports three swine flu cases in 10 days

Seven children from Jhai village were found positive for swine flu around a week ago. Representation pic

Palghar District Health Officer Dr Dayanand Suryavanshi said, "The cause of death of a 9-year-old girl on July 10 is yet to be ascertained as she was not tested for swine flu and Zika virus. Seven children from Jhai village near Shaskiya Ashram Shala were found positive. After surveillance, 15 more patients were diagnosed with swine flu."

Dr Kishor Sathe, specialist, Emergency Medicine, PD Hinduja Hospital, said, "We are seeing a sharp rise in H1N1 (swine flu) cases since the past 15 days. Majority of the patients have mild symptoms such as sore throat and cough. Only elder patients with multiple comorbid conditions require hospital admissions including ICU. Fortunately, we have got Oseltamivir-like drugs to take care of H1N1, hence it's easy to contain the spread."

State Surveillance Officer Dr Pradeep Awate said, "Swine flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat, which also leads to acute respiratory problems if the infection advances. Most of the swine flu cases are mild and do not require hospitalisation. Precautions are the same as a COVID. A mask can protect you from other influenza, too. One should maintain personal hygiene."

38
No. of swine flu cases detected in the state

15
No. of swine flu cases in Mumbai