Swine flu, or H1N1 infection, has made an appearance in Rajasthan amid changing weather conditions. In Udaipur division, samples from 361 suspected patients have been tested so far, of which 15 have been confirmed infected. The infection rate among the samples tested stood at 4.16 per cent. The highest number of positive cases, 11, were found in Udaipur district. In addition, three cases were confirmed in Chittorgarh and one in Salumbar. Following the emergence of these cases, the medical department has stepped up surveillance and is placing particular emphasis on testing suspected patients.
According to the health department, several of the infected patients have a travel history. However, experts say there is currently no basis to link the present infection to any new or unusual strain. Central health officials and the ICMR have also advised people to adopt general infection-prevention precautions rather than panic. Experts have appealed to people not to ignore symptoms such as cold, cough, fever or breathing difficulty during this change in weather.
In Jaipur, Agriculture Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena was admitted to the medical ICU at SMS Hospital after testing positive for swine flu. He was hospitalised after his report came back positive late on the night of 25 August. On Wednesday, Medical Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar also visited SMS Hospital to enquire about his wellbeing.
Given the risk of infection, doctors stopped the Medical Minister at the ICU gate itself. He then spoke with doctors from outside to get an update on Dr Meena's health. Supporters were also present outside the hospital.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also spoke by phone with the principal and superintendent of SMS Hospital on Wednesday morning to get an update on the Agriculture Minister's health. Dr Meena's treatment is continuing under doctors' supervision.
Given the continuing rise in cases in Udaipur division, the medical department has increased surveillance. Health officials are sending samples from suspected patients for testing. Officials say the situation is currently being monitored and that people need not panic. They have appealed to people to take general precautions, remain alert in crowded places, and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.