After ex-CM, Rajasthan's home minister hit by swine flu

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria Monday tested positive for the swine flu virus, a day after former chief minister Ashok Gehlot said he was suffering from the disease.

"He (Kataria) has tested positive for the H1N1 virus and is recuperating at his residence in Udaipur," the minister's personal aide Vijay Singh told IANS over phone.

Gehlot had Sunday said he was suffering from swine flu.

With one more death due to swine flu reported Monday, the toll due to the virus in the state reached 52 since Jan 1, officials said. Ten people had died Sunday.

At least 259 people have tested positive for the virus, a health department official told IANS.

The maximum deaths have been reported from state capital Jaipur, where 16 people have died due to the H1N1 virus. Ajmer has reported 10 deaths while Nagaur has reported six.

Jaipur has also reported the maximum number of positive cases at 82.

Concerned over the deaths in the state, the Rajasthan government has asked schools to give out information about the virus to students during prayer time.

"We will also use social networks like WhatsApp and Facebook and try to spread awareness about swine flu," a medical department official told IANS.