INDIA-Swine flu virus is changing: National Institute of Virology
TNN | Mar 15, 2013, 03.44 AM IST
AHMEDABAD: The devil is in the detail. The recent outbreak of swine flu in Gujarat and neighboring states could be blamed on a "small mutation" in the genetic structure of the H1N1 virus. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) had to say this after they examined a slew of cases that have been pouring into their laboratories for confirmatory tests.
However, experts suggest that there is nothing to worry as prompt treatment and patient care are key to faster recovery. Director of NIV D T Mourya told TOI, "It's true there is a small mutation in the genetic stricture of H1N1. But current action plan followed by different states is apt for controlling the disease's spread."
A senior health department official adds, "We are collecting random samples from some of the affected districts in the state to be sent to NIV. Recently, the experts examined how this year's H1N1 spread is following a specific path, affecting certain districts of some states in the country. This is an interesting trend and would require a fresh tactic to handle its spread."
Food and drug commissioner H G Koshia adds, "We have enough Oseltamivir drug for swine flu in the state. It's a restricted drug for now and available only on a prescription as free use among the masses can lead to the virus developing immunity against the drug. Government hospitals have sufficient stock of the medicine. As far as the swine flu vaccine is concerned, they are available in chemists shops."
H1N1 death toll touches 110
The deadly H1N1 virus has clamed 110 lives in the state so far. On Thursday too the virus claimed lives of more women than men. The state witnessed five more deaths in swine flu. Among those who succumbed was a 53-year-old woman from Gandhinagar, a 30-year-old woman from Modasa, and another 53-year-old woman from Veraval. The other two were a 44-year-old man and 36-year-old man from Gandhidham and Jamnagar respectively. With Thursday's figures there have been 583 cases of swine flu in the state, out of which 349 were cured. About 124 patients are being treated in various hospitals - 85 patients are being treated in government hospitals, while 39 patients are admitted in private hospitals. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Swine-flu-virus-is-changing-National-Institute-of-Virology/articleshow/18980453.cms
