Swine flu cases increase in less affected states
By IANSTuesday, November 2, 2010
NEW DELHI - The number of swine flu cases in the country dipped marginally last week but the number saw a little rise in those states which were so far less affected by the H1N1 virus, officials said.
“More cases are now coming from states like Rajasthan which did not have much H1N1 infections earlier. The situation is better now in the worst affected states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” a health ministry official said.
A total of 68 cases were reported from across the country between Oct 25 and Oct 31 compared to 46 the week before. Nine people died of the disease last week.
Eight of the deaths were reported from Rajasthan alone — which saw the highest number of cases at 41 last week.
The states of Maharshtra and Tamil Nadu reported eight and seven cases, respectively. Kerala reported three cases and Gujarat reported one death.
According to the health ministry, swine flu has so far claimed 2,679 lives since its outbreak last year.
