Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Sunday downplayed the rising cases of swine flu in States like Telengana and Rajasthan, saying that the spurt was seasonal. He assured that all necessary assistance and support is being provided to the States to manage the situation. Till January 29, Telangana has reported maximum cases (238) followed by Delhi (179), Gujarat (91), Rajasthan (67) and Maharashtra (42). Rajasthan has been the worst hit, where the toll from swine flu has mounted to 31.
The Minister said that he has been in constant touch with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of the affected States on the issue. “The Ministry has deputed senior-level public health teams to Telangana and Rajasthan to assess the situation and assist the States in managing the current spurt in cases. “The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi through Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the state units have enhanced the surveillance for influenza like illness (IlI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
“They are also providing laboratory support in terms of testing, quality assurance, guidance, providing viral transport mediums and diagnostic reagents,” said Nadda. A round-the-clock outbreak monitoring cell of NCDC is attending to public queries on H1N1 to keep them informed and to dispel fears and apprehensions, if any.
While the affected States have adequate stock of the drug Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), the Health Ministry also has sufficient stock of the medicine and Personal Protective Equipments. The Ministry has provided the requisitioned quantity to the affected States, a senior official added.