Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: Briefing about the present situation of the deadly swine flu influenza in the country, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday assured all help to the state governments to tackle the deadly virus.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, the Health Minister informed that 14673 cases of swine flu have been reported from January 1 till February 22.
The number of deaths related to swine flu has soared to 841 across the country so far, the government reported.
"The situation is being closely monitored by us and all necessary assistance is being provided to the states. Adequate stocks of medicine, masks and PPE are available. No efforts will be spared for effectively dealing with the situation," Nadda said in his statement.
Nadda in his statement in both the Houses of Parliament regarding Outbreak of H1N1 Seasonal Influenza made it clear that the cases of Influenza A currently being reported are of H1N1 which is the same virus which took a huge toll during 2009 and there is "no mutation" in the virus.
He said that Oseltamivir drug used during the time of pandemic 2009-2010 remains effective for treatment now as well.
"It has been confirmed, both by National Institute of Virology (under ICMR) and National Centre for Diseases Control, (Delhi) that the cases of Influenza A currently being reported are of H1N1.
"It is the same virus of 2009 and there is no mutation in the virus. Consequently, the drug Oseltamivir used during the time of pandemic 2009-2010 remains effective for treatment now also," he said in the statement amid fears that the virus might have mutated.
The Delhi Government has, meanwhile, issued helpline numbers where people can call to get information about swine flu. The numbers are 1800114377 and 011-22307145. Also, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a number which is 23921401 for further information.
Swine flu carrier, the H1N1 influenza virus, is prone to appear in winter months. It is characterised by throat problems, body ache and respiratory complications.
(With Agency inputs)
