Swine flu on the rise in Kolkata, 22 test positive

Kolkata, Feb 13 (IANS) Swine flu, which has claimed two lives in Kolkata so far, is on the rise with as many as 22 afflicted with the influenza, a West Bengal health department official said Friday. However, there have been no fresh deaths.

Seven fresh cases were detected Thursday.

"The total cases are 22 till Friday. No additional deaths were reported. The state is stocked with the required drugs," a Swasthya Bhavan official told IANS.

Swine flu cases were first reported in Bengal Monday and up until Thursday, there were 15 patients.

Tests were being conducted at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) facility in Beleghata.

The official said oseltemavir tablets and masks are in stock.

Hospitals and medical colleges have been asked to remain extremely watchful and be ready with facilities for treating H1N1 cases.

Swine flu has claimed the lives of 407 people across India this year, the Indian health ministry said Wednesday.

During the period Jan 1 to Feb 10, the total number of H1N1 cases was 5,157 and the number of deaths was 407, the ministry said.

Most cases were from Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, whereas the deaths were largely from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana.

The union health ministry recently reviewed the swine flu situation in various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.