297 swine flu cases in UP; health staff leave cancelled

The number of swine flu patients in Uttar Pradesh today rose to 297, with the state capital alone accounting for 242 cases prompting officials to cancel leave of all the health department staff in Lucknow.
"17 new patients of H1N1 virus have been detected in Uttar Pradesh. Of them, 14 are from Lucknow and one each from Allahabad, Bahraich and Raebareli," a health department official said.
He said the total number of cases in the state has gone up to 297, the maximum of 242 being reported in the state capital.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Lucknow Dr SNS Yadav said that of the total 242 patients, 155 have recovered.

He said that keeping in view the situation, leave of all the health department officials has been cancelled.
According to the health department, 866 patients were screened of whom 297 have tested positive.
The deadly virus has so far claimed six lives in the state, where 17 districts have been affected.
The state government has directed the local bodies and municipal corporations to launch a cleanliness campaign throughout the state.