Swine flu toll at 16, over 4 times of 2014

Despite the administration's tall claims of a full preparation to fight H1N1 influenza virus, the district witnessed more cases of swine flu as compared to last year and also a higher mortality rate.

However, with the steady increase in temperature, no new cases of swine flu have been reported since the past few days, but the increased number of positive cases and deaths this season raised concern for experts and policy makers.

This year, 83 patients were diagnosed for swine flu in Ludhiana hospitals. Out of this, 39 belonged to Ludhiana district. Last year, 20 cases of swine flu were reported from Ludhiana hospitals, out of which 14 were from Ludhiana.

Total 16 patients died of the disease in city hospitals, out of which five belonged to Ludhiana. Last season only two patients had died.

District epidemiologist Dr Anil Verma said, "It's true that swine flu cases have increased this season, but no particular reason could be identified for this. There was a proper awareness spread and arrangements were made, but there were more fresh cases." He said, "With the rise in temperature, new swine flu cases are declining gradually, but people should still take care and consult experts if they see any symptoms."