Jaipur: The Union health ministry’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme officials Thursday reviewed Rajasthan’s preparedness for swine flu and other seasonal illnesses amid a post-monsoon rise in influenza cases across several states.Rajasthan has reported 75 swine flu cases in the last five days. The state health department officials said it has not been categorised as a high-burden state for H1N1. No deaths have been reported in the current spike, officials said.The health department has, however, asked districts to remain alert as seasonal influenza cases typically rise after the monsoon and may continue to increase till the end of Sept.Officials said influenza activity in India generally peaks during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, with a smaller rise also seen in winter. The state has been advised to strengthen surveillance for influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infection, ensure early detection, monitor trends closely and maintain preparedness in health facilities.Rajasthan health department has appealed to people to follow preventive measures, including maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with symptomatic persons, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and seeking medical care if symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulty develop.
