Mumbai in grip of swine flu, 121 cases in two months

Swine flu scare has gripped the financial capital. The city is seeing an alarming rise in the number of swine flu cases, with at least 121 people tested positive for the infectious seasonal influenza so far this year. Last year, the city had recorded only cases of 25 swine flu.

According to the civic body's health department, no case of swine flu had been reported from the city in the month of January. However, the figures shot up in February and March. While 40 cases of swine flu were reported in February, 81 cases had been reported in March. Dr Padmaja Keskar, executive health officer, BMC's Public health department, said, "Though the number of cases has increased this year, no death has been reported so far."

While the department did not have a ward-wise data of 81 new cases in March, the highest number of cases in February were reported in West ward (Andheri west, Vile Parle west, and Jogeshwari west). While K-West ward reported seven cases, D ward (Nana Chowk, Grant Road, Girgaum Chowpatty), KE ward (Andheri east, Jogeshwari east, Vile Parle east) and S ward (Bhandup West) recorded four cases each.

Dr Santosh Revankar, deputy executive health officer, said, "No special measures have been taken by us, neither are we conducting any awareness campaign on H1N1. Regular precautionary measures are being implemented to reduce the number of cases."

Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus. Its symptoms include fever, cough, body ache, nasal secretions, headache, fatigue, loose motions, and weakness. Vaccination of high-risk group people including pregnant women, senior citizens, kidney ailment and others who have a weak immune system is recommended.

SURPASSING 2018

With 121 Mumbaikars diagnosed with H1N1 in February and March, the total number of cases in 2019 so far has surpassed the total number of persons tested positive for the disease in 2018. 25 people were diagnosed with swine flu in 2018