Swine Flu is spreading rapidly and with 40 more deaths the toll from the disease has now reached 1,115 while the total number of affected has crossed the 20,000 mark according to a Zee News report . This is the worst Swine Flu outbreak in the last five years in India.
According to health department officials, the weather change is conducive for spread of the H1N1 virus and public gatherings during Holi celebrations this week may result in escalation of cases.
The virus is known to thrive and spread during monsoon and due to the recent heavy rainfall in northern India the possibility of a decrease in virus has gone down. High temperatures are a deterrent for the Swine Flu virus.
According to the latest data, Gujarat is the most affected where 275 people have died and 4,614 have contracted the disease. Rajasthan follows next with 267 dead and 5,610 affected; Madhya Pradesh with 160 dead, 1,054 affected; Maharashtra’s toll at 152 with 1,789 reported cases. Delhi’s toll stands at 10 and 2,999 people are swine flu positive.
In Vadodara, Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed that restricts movement of people in groups to discourage crowd gathering in places.
With the disease spreading rapidly, an ongoing change of weather, and an outbreak of this magnitude, it is essential to take precaution, especially on Holi.