29 patients with swine flu reported in two days in city
PUNE: According to data furnished by the Health Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the number of swine flu patients testing positive has increased.
On Thursday, the number of patients testing positive was nine, whereas, on Wednesday, the number was 20.
As on Thursday, the Health Department noted that 3,451 patients were screened for swine flu and 155 were administered with Tamiflu tablets. Swab samples of 26 patients were sent for testing and nine patients tested positive. In all, 92 patients were admitted to the hospital. The PMC said 63 patients were in the special ward while 29 were on a ventilator support.
From January 1 till Thursday (Oct 25), 7,79,589 people were screened for swine flu while 14,420 were administered with Tamiflu. So far, 2,181 swab samples were sent for testing and 529 patients tested positive for swine flu. A total of 328 patients were discharged after treatment this year.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Sudhir Patsute, a doctor with the Health Department of the PMC, said the number of swine flu cases increased after Ganesh festival.
“As many people come in contact with each other, we can see that the cases of swine flu have increased. However, right now, the temperature is increasing, which means cases may decrease in the future,” said Dr Patsute.
He added that Pune being a hub of medical facilities, many patients from adjacent areas also come to the city for treatment.“Patients from Ahmednagar, Satara and other areas also visit the city as treatment options here are way better than their resident towns. Hence, the spike in the number of positive patients is visible,” said Patsute.
Dr Ramchandra Hankare, chief, PMC health Department, said the moist weather is a primary cause.
“As swine flu spreads through the air, because of which the number of patients seen is high. Currently, as there is festive season more people come in contact with each other. Moreover, high-risk patients should try to improve their immunity so that they remain safe from such ailments,” said Dr Hankare.
