Swine flu deaths in Maharashtra now 78

The lethal H1N1 virus continued its unabated assault in Maharashtra with 20 people across the State succumbing to swine flu in less than 24 hours, taking the toll to an alarming new high of 78.

While three people died within six hours in Nagpur, the worst-affected district in the State, two more deaths were reported today, plunging hospitals in an emergency mode as authorities struggle to contain the spread of the infection. The total death toll in Nagpur has now exceeded 30, with 135 persons undergoing treatment in hospitals.

The total number of suspected swine flu cases in the second week of February alone has exceeded 300 - a rise in nearly 100 in a little more than a day, said worried State health authorities.

North Maharashtra has witnessed an exponential rise in swine flu cases, with Nashik district registering six deaths. More than 4000 people displaying swine flu-like symptoms are being screened in Nashik, informed health officials.

Meanwhile, the death toll continues to rise steeply in Pune district with yet another death registered in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area, taking the total toll to 24.

Since January, Maharashtra’s hospitals have reported more than 500 swine flu cases with a surge in the first fortnight of February.