Swine flu on the rise in Maharashtra

The respiratory influenza disease, swine flu or the H1N1 flu which has put scientists and doctors worldwide in a quandary is on the rise in the state.

In the state of Maharashtra itself the number reportedly has gone up to 108 as of Wednesday evening. With over 72 cases of the flu confirmed from Pune itself, as many as six primary and secondary schools have been shut as around 53 out of the 72 cases have been identified in kids.

Panchgani, a hill station close to the city which houses many residential schools has declared around 10 positive cases putting government officials in the fifth gear who will take a round up of the schools.

Also, apparently Mumbai has registered close to 19 cases of the flu.

Dr Pradip Awate, who heads the state influenza cell, though reiterates the fact that there is no reason to panic. “Even though the number of cases is soaring, the infection is so mild that it is difficult to differentiate between a patient and a normal person. We have launched public educating missions through newspaper advertisements, radio spots and television channels about the Do’s and Dont’s. We have issued letters to the district level officers too to spread the word,” he told Business Standard.

Even though, the infection is mild what is the possibility that it can become worse? “The chances are very bleak. Five out of a thousand cases may be grave. That makes the mortality rate close to 0.4 per cent,” he added.