Swine flu: 11 die in Telangana; state seeks Centre's help

With 11 people succumbing to swine flu in Telangana so far this year, the state government today sought Centre's help to check the spread of the deadly virus.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and requested that a central team be deployed and other help be provided to the state, a release from the CMO said.

The Prime Minister has responded positively to the request, it said.

So far, nine deaths have been reported from the state-run Gandhi Hospital and two from Osmania General Hospital, according to senior doctors at the two hospitals.

The Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the state medical and health department not being so active though the intensity of the virus is severe, it said.

He also spoke to the union health minister over phone and discussed the spread of swine flu.

Rao sought a report in this regard from Chief Secretary Rajeev Sharma.

The Chief Minister has convened a meeting of the state Cabinet this evening to deliberate on the issue.

He said people should be alert as cold climate and winds are likely to persist for another 20 days.

He asked the Chief Secretary to provide preventive vaccine of swine flu without worrying about the cost involved, the release said.

"The Chief Minister decided that the state government should prepare to fight a battle against swine flu," it said.

Meanwhile, Union Labour Minister (independent charge) Bandaru Dattatreya spoke to the Telangana Chief Minister and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on the spread of swine flu in the state, a release from the Union Minister's office said.

Dattatreya also sought deputation of a Central team and medical assistance, it said adding that the union minister would review the situation with Telangana Deputy Chief Minister T Rajaiah, who holds the Health department.