2 die of H1N1, cases rising

Over last two days, one person tested positive every hour, on an average

Two persons died of swine flu yesterday. While 58-year-old Koyana Society resident Katur Shakh died at Nobel Hospital, 45-year-old Dehurood resident, Ramesh Mhasudge, passed away at Aditya Birla Hospital.

With these two deaths, the total number of deaths due to swine flu since August 2009 has gone up to to 266.

Rise in cases
Meanwhile, doctors said that statistics showed that, on an average, one person in the city has tested positive for swine flu every hour over the last couple of days.

Besides, at least 500 people were admitted to various hospitals in the district every week for swine flu this month. That is almost four times the number in June.

"Yes, it is true that there is a spurt in H1N1 cases. Besides confirmed cases, the number of those admitted and on ventilator support has risen," said Dr CA Kante, assistant director of state health services and in-charge of swine flu control. "The virus thrives in this kind of climate and we can't stress more on the importance of maintaining hygiene and taking precaution."
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Kante added that the number of positive cases this month could be higher than the corresponding number in the same month last year.

"Last year, we had to declare it as an epidemic and shut down the city for nearly a week. Though people have developed herd immunity this year, we cannot afford to be complacent and lax," said a senior health official requesting anonymity.

Herd immunity occurs when vaccination of part of the population protects unprotected individuals.

"Unlike last year, when we were caught unawares, this year we are better prepared," said Dr Sharad Agharkhedkar, president of Indian Medical Association's Pune chapter. "Preventive vaccines are available in the market and we advise people to take them. This can develop herd immunity against the virus and check its spread."

Agharkhedkar said 25 doctors from IMA had taken the vaccines and had had no major side-effects, so far.