61 new cases of swine flu reported in Delhi

NEW DELHI: At least 61 new cases of swine flu were today reported from different parts of the Delhi even as the Union Health Ministry reviewed the situation arising out of the spread of H1N1 influenza in the city.

"Out of 277 tests conducted today, 61 cases were found positive," Dr S K Sharma, Director of Health Services, Delhi Government said.

The total number of swine flu cases in the national capital now stands at 571, including five deaths.

Health Department officials told Union Health Secretary that the swine flu situation in the city was under control and there had been no new death due to the disease.

"Preparedness in the 25 designated hospitals was reviewed. The availability of drugs and logistics like protective gears and viral transport medium was also checked and it was found that we are well equipped," said Sharma.

"We have also asked the hospitals to use the drugs only for H1N1-infected patients as swine flu is a self-limiting disease. Medicines are given to break the chain so that the infected person donot spread the virus," he said.

Meanwhile, the Health Department has re-issued the standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding the management of the disease and precautions to be followed.

Indian Medical Association (IMA) in a statement said, "If a person has fever of 103°F with massive muscle aches and a cough, it is swine flu unless proved otherwise.

"It is justifiable to start swine flu anti-viral drug within 48 hours of onset of symptoms even without going for the test. But if one has low-grade fever and feels just a bit poorly, no drug or test may be prescribed."