8 swine flu deaths reported in Odisha

The deadly swine flu has so far claimed eight lives in Odisha while 103 persons are now affected by the disease in the state, a health official said on Sunday.

The official said 16 of 28 samples tested positive for swine flu on Sunday, as the number of affected persons increased to 103.

A total of 342 samples have been tested so far, he added.

Meanwhile, two deaths were reported due to dengue in the state. However, the health department said there is no need for panic as the situation is under control.

After taking a review meeting here, Health Secretary P.K. Meherda assured that the government is taking all possible steps to tackle swine flu and dengue outbreak in the state.

Speaking on the dengue outbreak, Meherda informed that at least 370 persons have been tested positive while two deaths have been reported so far this year.

The number is far less than last year when eight people had died of dengue while nearly 4,000 positive cases were reported, he added.

--IANS

cd/vgu/dg