Pune records most swine flu cases in Maharashtra: 879 patients, three deaths in ten months

Pune has reported the highest number of swine flu cases in Maharashtra this year, according to health department data. Between January and October, 879 patients were recorded within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits. Three of them died.

Dengue cases were already being reported in the city. With swine flu cases now rising too, Punekars are having to contend with two diseases at the same time.

The department's data also show the picture in other cities. Mumbai is second with 648 cases, followed by Nagpur with 493. Nashik has found 306 patients. Kolhapur district has 128 cases, while Kolhapur city has recorded 75 and Solapur 56. Pimpri-Chinchwad has found 159 patients.

These figures are for the whole state. Across Maharashtra, 13,10,443 people were tested between January and October. Of these, 4,375 were found to be suspected patients, 2,858 tested positive for swine flu and 34 died.

Nagpur leads in deaths, with the highest toll of 23 patients. Eight patients died in Nashik, three in Pune and one in Navi Mumbai.

According to the health department, free and voluntary vaccination is being given to people at higher risk. They include pregnant women, patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, and health workers.

The department has ordered regular audits of deaths from influenza H1N1 and H3N2. It says the emphasis is on testing, treatment and availability of medicines in suspected cases. Both government and private hospitals have been told to keep adequate stocks of Oseltamivir.

A survey of suspected swine flu patients is also being conducted. Quarantine rooms for patients have also been set up in sub-district hospitals and medical colleges.