In June, Mumbai topped state in H1N1 cases

This June, the highest number of H1N1-positive cases in the state was from Mumbai. According to figures available with the state health department, till June 29, there were 45 positive swine flu cases in Maharashtra of which 20 were from Mumbai.

In the first two days of July, the state got four H1N1 positive cases — all from Mumbai.

“Though there is no specific reason why there are more cases in Mumbai, we don’t need to press the panic button yet,” said Dr Pradeep Awate, swine flu in-charge, Maharashtra Directorate of Health Services.

But there has been no H1N1 death in the city this year and patients have been receptive to the treatment, he added. Since April, H1N1 has claimed 16 lives in the state.

Dr Abhay Chaudhary, director of Haffkine Research Institute, said: “In 2009, the H1N1 virus was a new strain, thus making a large number of people susceptible. Over the last three years, the strain has been replaced by a seasonal flu. The exposure to the strain has resulted in an increase in immunity levels.”

Dr Tanu Singhal, infectious disease expert at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, said: “The nature of the virus is such that it is inherent within society and might emerge from time to time. It is possible that it has undergone variation and a less viral form has emerged.”

The BMC has stocked up on Tamiflu medicine and tied up with private labs to ensure that all cases are reported to it. Dr Mangala Gomare, epidemiologist, BMC, said: “People with high fever and headaches have been testing positive for the H1N1 virus. However, after being administered Tamiflu they have shown improvement.”