PUNE: Maharashtra has topped the infamous list of swine flu deaths in the country for the second year in a row.
As per National Center of Disease Control, 242 swine flu deaths were reported in Maharashtra till December 1 this year. The State Health Department brushed off the number owing to the large size of the State.
Though the number is less that the 2018 figure, when the number of deaths reported in Maharashtra was as high as 461, but even the last 11 months’ data is the highest in India.
Other States with higher incidence of swine flu have reported lesser number of deaths.
Speaking about the numbers, Dr Pradeep Awate, State surveillance officer with the State Health department noted that Maharashtra has one of the best surveillance for swine flu in the country.
In 2019, Uttar Pradesh reported 2,089 cases of swine flu and only 37 deaths. Whereas, Rajasthan reported 5,091 cases of swine flu and 208 deaths this year till December 1. Rajasthan stands second after Maharashtra for the number of deaths this year.
Density of population matters
“There are geographically larger States which do not report swine related cases or death. Swine flu is an airborne disease and so with more number of population densely populated States should show a larger number. We have the best surveillance system and so the number looks big.” said Dr Awate.
“We monitor every case of swine flu in the State. Around 80 per cent reported cases for swine flu come from private hospitals. We also monitor each patient who is admitted and tested positive for swine flu. And hence it is reflected in the numbers,” said Dr Awate.
“In November, no death was reported in Maharashtra due to swine flu. If we closely look at the numbers, we have fewer cases this year than the previous year. There is no need to panic about swine flu as we have sufficient medicines as well as facilities to tackle the situation. We time and again also spread awareness initiatives for high risk patients,” said Dr Awate.
