In the wake of a swine flu outbreak, which has so far claimed 191 lives, the Centre on Monday said mortality on account of the flu can be contained with immediate medical intervention. There have been 2038 cases of swine flu reported across the country in 2015, with Telangana reporting the highest number of cases at 629 and 34 deaths, followed by Delhi with 488 cases and 5 deaths, Gujarat with 309 cases and 38 deaths and Rajasthan with 205 cases and 49 deaths.
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Health Ministry officials said the Delhi's low mortality is attributable to the high awareness about the flu, which led to early detection and timely treatment. “Despite having a very high number of cases reported, Delhi has had fewer deaths only because of quick diagnosis and treatment,”said Dr. Arun Kumar Panda, additional secretary in the Health Ministry.
Dr. Panda said swine flu is a seasonal flu and can be managed with treatment, but he cautioned against using Tamiflu against medical advice. “The drug should not be taken as a precaution and without the prescription of a doctor, as it can lead to resistance of the drug.”
In 2012 there were 5044 cases of swine flu reported and 405 deaths, in 2013, the swine flu cases were 5253 and 699 deaths, in 2014, there were 937 cases and 238 deaths.
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