Swine flu kills 27 in Rajasthan

Jaipur, Jan 28 (IANS) Two more deaths due to swine flu have been reported in Rajasthan, taking the toll across the state to 27 this year, officials said Wednesday.

"The death of 42-year-old Panalalal and 72-year-old Hasina Bano were reported from Jaipur Tuesday night," a health department official told IANS.

As per government figures, from Jan 1 till Wednesday, nine deaths have been reported from Jaipur, three each from Nagaur and Jodhpur, two each from Bhilwara, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Banswara and one each from Ajmer, Bikaner, Alwar and Jhalawar.

At least 113 people have been found positive for the H1N1 swine flu virus across the state, of which 10 were from Jaipur.

Rajasthan Health Minister Rajendra Rathore has asked all government hospitals to have separate outdoor facilities for treating swine flu patients.

Health department officials have been asked to screen people who have come in contact with swine flu patients.

Meanwhile, state Congress president Sachin Pilot said the "callous attitude" of the Vasundhara Raje government has led to the spread of swine flu in the state.

"Seasonal and infectious diseases are spreading in the state due to lack of monitoring by the health authorities," he said.