HYDERABAD : The incidence of swine flu cases in Telangana has come down when compared to other southern states. In second week of April, officials in the state were anxious about the flu cases being reported even in summer, which generally is unlikely.
From the second week of April to May 14, the number of swine flu cases in Karnataka increased by 237. As many as 189 cases were reported in Tamil Nadu as against 164 in Telangana. However, the highest increase was recorded in Maharashtra where the number touched 479.
As many as 196 swine flu related deaths were reported in Maharashtra from January till May 14, which is the highest in the country. Meanwhile, 17 deaths were reported in Telangana during the same time. While cases are still being reported, officials from the state heaved a sigh of relief as mortality rate has been low: one death was reported in 32 days.
As cases were reported in summer too, it was suspected that the virus might have undergone mutations. However, even after a month, authorities are not yet cleared as they did not receive results of the samples they sent for tests to National Institute of Virology in Pune in the first week of April.
“Usually, it takes 20 to 30 days to receive reports,” the officials in the health department noted. Meanwhile, Institute of Preventive Medicine, who sent the samples, denied of receiving any report regarding the issue.
“We did not receive any reports yet,” said Dr Shiva Leela, director of Institute of Preventive Medicine.