8 more test positive for swine flu, but no need to panic: BMC

Eight more people have tested positive for swine flu in Mumbai over the past two days. This brings the total number of cases in the city this year to 42. So far, five people have died in the city because of the infection.

Eight more people have tested positive for swine flu in Mumbai over the past two days. This brings the total number of cases in the city this year to 42. So far, five people have died in the city because of the infection.

A-hoarding-informing-the-public-about-the-deadly-swine-flu-disease-in-Bhopal-HT-photo

According to the epidemiology cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), of the eight cases, one is from Thane. The woman has been admitted to a private hospital and is on ventilator support.

The condition of the remaining seven patients is stable.

More than 50% of the patients being treated currently are migrants. The five people who died, too, were from outside the city.

Experts said the situation is under control and there is no need to panic.

The public health department has claimed it is has ample resources and can handle the situation even if the number of cases rises in the coming days.

“We have taken all the measures to curb the spread of the swine flu virus. Necessary precautions are being taken for patients who have tested positive for the infection,” said Dr Mangla Gomare, chief of epidemiology, BMC.

“We have ensured ample availability of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and N95 across all public hospitals and dispensaries. The Kasturba Hospital is the designated centre for isolating positive cases,” said Gomare.

“A majority of cases of swine flu reported this year are related to the migrant population. Even though Mumbai has been relatively immune to the virus, the situation is subject to change because of the demography. It is important for people to be alert about the symptoms of the disease, precautions and vaccination etc.,” said Dr Om Srivastava, director of infectious diseases department, Jaslok Hospital.