Ratio of positive swine flu cases to number of tests drops in July

Despite July recording the highest number of swine flu cases this year, the civic body has something to cheer about.

Despite July recording the highest number of swine flu cases this year, the civic body has something to cheer about.

HT Image

The positivity of H1N1 influenza virus — which measures how many persons tested positive from the total number of people who were tested — has reduced by around three percentage points compared to last month.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), around 178 people got themselves tested for H1N1 virus in June of which 35 tested positive. In July, of the 529 people who underwent the test, 89 tested were positive.

Thus the swine flu positivity rate has dropped from 19.6 % in June to 16.8% in July.

“We are seeing more cases this month because a higher number of people are getting themselves tested for H1N1. However, people should avoid unnecessary testing as H1N1 is like any other seasonal influenza,” said Dr Mangala Gomare, epidemiologist, BMC.

In fact, 123 H1N1 cases were reported across the state in July as opposed to just 40 cases in June this year.

“Monsoon is a season for flu. Hence we are seeing an increase in swine flu cases. Last year, we did not witness many cases of swine flu as people had developed herd immunity. But immunity against any virus stays only for eight to 10 months, because of which this part of the year more people are testing positive,” said Dr Pradip Awate, state epidemiologist, directorate of health services.