Weather conditions in MP favourable for swine flu outbreak : MeT

Frequent change in weather conditions in MP over the past few weeks has compelled the Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhopal officials to express concern that if the trend persisted there might be steep rise in swine flu cases.

Frequent change in weather conditions in the state over the past few weeks has compelled the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Bhopal officials to express concern that if the trend persisted there might be steep rise in swine flu cases.

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Several places in the state also experienced cloudy conditions and thundershowers in the past few days apart from fluctuation in temperature. Though clouds cleared on Thursday but the Met department predicted that clouds and light rainfall would return to haunt the state from February 2.

According to RMC officials, the present weather conditions can spur spread of swine flu. "The state is witnessing sudden fluctuations in weather for past one month. Cloudy conditions are expected to prevail again from next week. This kind of weather might lead to increase in swine flu cases," said director of RMC Anupam Kashyapi.

He further said the present weather conditions in the state were very much similar to the weather conditions of Pune (Maharashtra), when there was swine flu outbreak there. Head of microbiology department Gandhi Medical College (GMC) Bhopal Dr Deepak Dubey said variation in temperature was always favourable for the growth of any virus or bacteria.

Meanwhile, principal secretary health Pravir Krishn inspected the H1N1 ward set up at JP Hospital in Bhopal on Thursday. He talked with a number of patients regarding treatment and inspected medicine distribution counter, arrangement for issuing OPD slips, paramedical tests and food.