Panaji (IANS): The Goa directorate of health services Friday appealed to residents of the state not to travel to parts of India hit by swine flu unless the trip was essential.

The state government's official travel advisory endorsed by Health Service Director Rajnanda Dessai has been published in all local newspapers.

"In view of prevailing situation of H1N1 (swine flu) Influenza, people are advised not to undertake non-essential visits or travels as far as possible to the H1N1 affected states," the advisory reads.

"People should leave the state only if absolutely necessary," it adds, further imploring people to avoid crowded places in order to check spread of the influenza, which has claimed 22 lives in India.

Officials have also expressed fears that the seasonal influx of people of Goan origin to the state, especially from Pune and Mumbai, for the popular Ganesh Chaturthi festival later this month could trigger an increase in the number of swine flu cases in the state.

There are presently 13 confirmed swine flu patients in Goa, who have been admitted to special quarantine wards.