New Delhi:
With the death toll from swine flu soaring to 624 in the country and the report of 100 more casualties in just three days, it will not be wrong to say that India is heading towards an epidemic!
The swine flu is no joke but a serious threat, still there seems no awareness among the people. The government too seems to be taking it lightly and it appears it is just waiting for the suitable weather, which will automatically curb the disease.
There is also a shortage of medicines to fight the H1N1 virus, however, the latest toll atleast prompted the Centre to order additional stock of medicines and diagnostic kits.
According to the latest official data, over 100 people died due to the disease in three days till February 15, and the toll that was 485 till February 12, now stands at 625.
This year, the H1N1 virus affected as many as 8,423 people across the country.
The worst-affected states include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra with death toll at 165, 144, 76 and 58, respectively, official data says.
Delhi and Tamil Nadu have been in news because of the high number of swine flu cases, however, the death toll in both these states remains comparatively low, thanks to better awareness and better health sector.
Punjab is the worst hit in terms of the ratio of number of deaths and those affected by the virus as it has the highest. 25 out of 68 affected have succumbed to the disease in the state this year.
It is high time that the state as well as the central government “wake up” now and step up efforts to tackle the deadly disease. People also need to actively work towards fighting swine flu. Be aware! Awareness is important!
