Slight increase in swine flu cases in Mumbai

MUMBAI: Mumbai is witnessing a rise in cases of influenza H1N1 (swine flu), the BMC health department said on Tuesday.


In the past two weeks, there have been 30 confirmed cases of viral infection, an increase from the 18 cases reported for the entire September.

Prior to that, August saw 116 cases of the infection and July reported 106. Interestingly, H1N1 has claimed more lives in the state this year in comparison to H3N2, which has affected a larger number of individuals.

For instance, Maharashtra has reported 15 H1N1-related deaths since January, whereas there have been seven deaths attributed to H3N2. According to figures from the state government, a total of 991 cases of H1N1 have been reported in Maharashtra since January, while H3N2 saw nearly 2000 confirmed cases. While there could be a testing bias, doctors concur that H1N1 can be dangerous for people with underlying health problems.

Doctors recommend vaccination as a preventive measure for vulnerable populations since H1N1 tends to resurface multiple times throughout the year. Also, basic hygiene tactics of covering nose with sneezing, washing hands often with soap and water and avoiding visiting crowded places could also prevent the spread.

The good news is that malaria and dengue cases have started to decline in Mumbai compared to the September peak. Last month, the city reported 1313 malaria cases and 1360 dengue cases. However till mid-October, 418 malaria and 492 dengue cases have been confirmed.