Man dies, eight infected with swine flu in Thane city

Doctors say that instances of swine flu are on the rise due to the changes in temperature and humidity

A man in Thane died of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) in March while eight others have been infected with the disease so far.

Since the virus spreads faster when there is a drastic change in temperature and humidity, residents have been advised to wear masks to prevent and stay hydrated. (HT file photos)

Dr Ram Kendre, health officer at Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), said, “This year, eight cases of swine flu have been detected and one of the patients has died of it so far.”

He added, “The history of the patients who have with the virus revealed that they travelled to places like Pune and Nashik from where highest number of swine flu cases is reported every year. So we have advised people not to travel to these places.”

Private hospitals in Thane have been asked to start keeping such patients in isolation wards and civil hospitals have been advised to start screening each patient carefully and take necessary action if any test positive, added Kendre.

According to doctors, cases of swine flu increase when there is a drastic change in temperature and humidity.

Pregnant women and children are more susceptible to the diseases because of lower immunity levels.

The civic body has issued advertisements asking people not to travel to areas like Pune and Nashik.

Since the virus spreads faster when there is a drastic change in temperature and humidity, residents have been advised to wear masks to prevent and stay hydrated.