India swine flu toll touches 125
POSTED September 6, 2009 - 10:38 | POSTED BY Jyoti Pal
Last edited by Harpreet Bhagrath on September 6, 2009 - 12:25
Out of the latest nine deaths, as many as six were reported from the state of Karnataka. Two deaths were reported from Andhra Pradesh, where the toll has touched four, while one death was reported from Maharashtra.
The death toll in Karnataka now stands at 41, next only to Maharashtra that has witnessed 59 deaths due to the influenza A (H1N1).
Karnataka state surveillance officer Vasudev Murthi confirmed, “Six people have died of swine flu in our state during last 24 hours. While five deaths were confirmed late last night, one death was reported today afternoon. All of them had other health complications and also found positive for H1N1.”
Govt. panic-conscious, details of deceased not divulged
The health authorities in Karnataka did not reveal any details of the latest fatalities. The names of the hospitals where these patients passed away were also not divulged.
Principal Secretary (Health) IR Perumal said of the measure, “The step has been taken to avert any sort of panic spread among people due to swine flu. We're only following the guidelines issued by the central health ministry not to reveal the names of H1N1 victims.”
"On many an occasion, we've received complaints, where families of swine flu victims and even cured patients have at times been almost ostracised in their neighbourhood. We want to end such malpractices and put an end to spread of panic and rumours in Karnataka due to swine flu," he added.
The names of the hospitals where the deaths occurred were also not made public as people simply avoid visiting such hospitals even if they are suffering from any other disease.
The decision to keep the names a secret has been taken after several private hospitals requested the health department not to reveal their names if patients have died in those hospitals due to H1N1 virus.
Infections continue to rise
Another 157 cases were reportedly tested positive for H1N1 from various parts of the country on Saturday. So far, 4,645 persons have been affected by the influenza in the country.
The national capital Delhi reported 52 cases on Saturday. 16 fresh cases were reported from Karnataka, 45 persons were reportedly affected in Maharashtra, 28 in Tamil Nadu and another 6 cases were reported from Uttar Pradesh.
