7 more swine flu deaths take tally to 366

As many as 101 fresh positive cases of the influenza were also reported from various parts of the country. With the latest infections, the total number of confirmed cases has gone up to 11,354.

“Samples from 47,584 people have been tested for H1N1 in government laboratories and a few private laboratories across the country and 23.8 per cent of them have been found positive,” a statement issued by the ministry said.

Maharashtra continues to reel
The Health Ministry officials revealed that four deaths were reported due to the H1N1 from Kerala, while two were reported from Karnataka. One person succumbed to the virus in Maharashtra.

Out of the latest 101 infections, 46 were reported from Maharashtra, 29 from Delhi and 14 from Haryana.

Maharashtra, with 3,152 positive cases of the swine flu, is the worst hit state in the country. The national capital Delhi comes a close second with nearly 3000 infected cases.

"A total of 2,998 cases have tested positive for swine flu virus till date. Out of this more than 90 per cent patients have been treated and discharged," Kiran Walia, Delhi Health minister said.

In terms of fatalities too, Maharashtra tops the charts with 148 deaths.

The impending danger
Experts opine that in the forthcoming winter, the swine flu pandemic might take a turn for the worse and rise further.

The government has from time to time rolled out various guidelines, advisories and precautions to be undertaken to thwart the spread of the influenza.

Karnataka Principal Secretary for Health I.R. Perumal urged, “People should take all preventive measures, which include avoiding crowded places and maintaining personal hygiene. People with swine flu symptoms should immediately check with doctors and get needful tests done.”

Advisory for Haj pilgrims
The external affairs ministry has issued an advisory, including a list of dos and don’ts, for Haj pilgrims intending to visit the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

“Do not shake hands or hug in greetings, except as a mandatory religious activity of the Haj” is the mandate from the ministry.

The Indian advisory has been welcomed by Muslim organizations. “Extending handshakes and the hugs are the way we greet people. But if the authorities are restricting it on health grounds, no one should have a problem. These greetings are not strictly religious rituals,” said S. Q. R. Ilyas, spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

The pilgrims have also been urged to refrain from spitting in public in order to prevent the spread of the flu. The Center has made it mandatory for all pilgrims to have valid flu vaccination certificates.