Rajasthan: 28 people lost lives to swine flu in September

JAIPUR: Two persons died of swine flu, while 29 persons tested positive for the disease in the state on Monday. The cases of H1N1 influenza started resurfacing in increased numbers from the beginning of September.

According to the health department report, one person each tested positive for H1N1 in Tonk, Dausa and Baran districts, while Jhalawar reported two and Bundi reported three cases of swine flu on Monday. One person from Agra was also diagnosed with swine flu in the state.

Kota remained severely affected as two persons died of swine flu while 20 persons tested positive for the disease on Monday. A senior health department official said that majority of the cases had been reported from Kota division. Baran and Bundi are also affected.

In September, 1,653 persons were diagnosed with the disease and 28 persons died. The month of September reported highest deaths in past seven months. In February, 43 persons had died while in January, 53 lost their lives to swine flu. In August, three persons succumbed to the disease while 15 persons were diagnosed with the disease.

However, deaths in September 2017 were higher in comparison to September 2018 deaths. Last year in September, 91 persons had died, while 1,807 persons tested positive for the disease. So far, 1,682 persons have been diagnosed with swine flu this year with 168 deaths from the disease. The mortality rate due to swine flu is as high as 10 percent.

However, health department has issued directions to all districts to remain alert on swine flu. Health department officials said that orders have been issued to take preventive measures including survey of houses in the neighbourhood of persons diagnosed with swine flu.