91 Deaths Due to Swine Flu Recorded in Rajasthan This Year
The numbers were highest in Jodhpur - which recorded 21 deaths due to swine flu.
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At least 91 deaths due to swine flu were reported in Rajasthan between 1 January 2019 and 6 February 2019, news agency ANI reported. The numbers were highest in Jodhpur – which recorded 21 deaths. Meanwhile, the total number of people being tested for swine flu was reportedly 12,279, out of which 2,606 were found to be positive cases.
In view of soaring cases of swine flu and deaths due to the disease in Rajasthan and 10 other states, the union health ministry deputed a public health team to Rajasthan to assess the situation and assist the state in strengthening its response. Union health secretary Preeti Sudan also directed officials to send additional teams to Gujarat and Punjab, PTI reported.
In a high-powered meeting with senior officers of the health ministry, Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan reviewed the state of preparedness and action taken to deal with fighting the disease in the different states.
The guidelines for influenza vaccination were shared with all states and the details of manufacturers of vaccine provided by drug controller general of India was shared with all states. Communication material for preventive measures has also been shared with all the states.
"Majority of cases have been reported from 11 states (and majority of deaths have been reported from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab. Deaths have been in seen more in persons having co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension etc," the ministry said in a statement, PTI reported.
Regular video conferences are being held to monitor the situation.
Advisory for preparedness to seasonal influenza A (H1N1) was issued and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and its State units have enhanced the surveillance for Influenza like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), the statement stated.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
IDSP assisted lab network of 12 laboratories are providing laboratory support in terms of testing, quality assurance, guidance, providing viral transport mediums and diagnostic reagents.
The laboratory network of ICMR (41 labs) has also been activated to test for H1N1 cases and beyond above laboratories support from MoHFW, states also have their identified state government and private laboratories for testing clinical samples of seasonal influenza A (H1N1).
(With inputs from PTI)
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