Swine flu cases in Nagpur rise over six-fold in September, festival crowds raise infection risk

Nagpur district has seen an unusual spell of rain this year, with temperatures also fluctuating continuously. Amid these conditions, infectious diseases appear to be on the rise in the district. The swine flu figures stand out most, as they clearly show how serious the disease has become.

Nagpur district recorded 273 swine flu patients from January to September. Of these, 147 patients, or 53.8% of the cases, were reported in September alone. The 147 patients in September include 128 from the city and 19 from rural areas. Five deaths have also been recorded in rural areas.

In the city alone, 210 swine flu patients were found from January to September. About 77% of the district's total cases are from the city. The city had 21 patients in July, while the number rose to 128 in September, more than six times the July figure. In rural areas, 63 patients were found in these nine months, of whom 19 cases are from September.

Dengue and malaria cases are also rising in the district along with swine flu. From January to September, 82 dengue patients and 22 malaria patients have been found. In the city, malaria patients numbered 5 in August and rose to 12 in September. Five malaria patients have also been recorded in rural areas.

Because of the unusual spell of rain, conditions have not returned fully to normal in October either. With the change in weather, the number of patients with skin diseases and respiratory illnesses is also rising. Crowds are building up in markets and public places because of Navratri, Dussehra and the coming Diwali, which could raise the risk of infection further.