11 more swine flu deaths in Rajasthan, toll 153

Jaipur, Feb 14 (IANS) Eleven people more died of swine flu in Rajasthan Saturday, taking to 153 the total toll in the state from the start of this year, officials said.

"Maximum 26 deaths have occurred in Jaipur and 24 from Ajmer. Total deaths till 9.30 p.m. Saturday across the state touched 153 and these deaths occurred from Jan 1,2015," said a medical and health department official said.

Total positive cases found across the state in the same period touched 2,167 till Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, the state government has now decided to take help of nationally reputed critical care specialists in a bid to bring down the mortality rate and is trying to educate people to see the doctor as soon as symptoms appear.

"As soon as symptoms of flu appear, a patient should visit a doctor. This would help to start treatment in early stages of the disease and treat a patient properly," said Ashok Pangaria, head of task force on swine flu in Rajasthan.

The state government is also requesting people to avoid crowded places.

So far 15 lakh tablets of Tamiflu, a medicine used to treat swine flu, have been distributed across the state.

Rajasthan has already made medical test free for people suffering from symptoms of swine flu at the six government medical colleges across the state.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday flayed Vasundhara Raje government in failing to properly handle the spread of the disease in the state.

"I would again request the government to launch an awareness campaign in citites and villages on swine flu....awareness can help to avoid spread of the disease," said Gehlot, who himself contacted the disease.