70 Cases Reported In Aug, No New Variant
Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh
Chandigarh: Punjab witnessed a rise in cases of swine flu (H1N1), with around 70 cases reported in Aug after the number of cases remained in single digits on a monthly basis from January to July. Health minister Balbir Singh said that cases of swine flu (H1N1) had increased slightly over the past few days. He added a large number of cases had also been reported in Delhi and other parts of the country, while Punjab had also witnessed an increase as well.“From January to July, the number of cases remained in single digits, meaning that at no point did the number cross 10. However, in August, around 70 cases have been reported,” he said.Balbir Singh said the variant involved was the same old variant that was already circulating, and that there was no new variant. He described it as a very mild infection and said that, so far, no patient had required hospitalisation. He said patients were examined and tested before being provided medicines and sent home. The health minister said normal, healthy people did not need to take any special precautions. However, he advised pregnant women, young children, cancer patients, people with diabetes and the elderly to avoid crowded places and use masks if necessary.“For the general population, there is no need for any special precautions. This is an old variant. Whenever an old viral infection occurs, it continues to circulate in society and does not disappear completely,” he said.Balbir Singh attributed the slight increase in cases to the rainy season, when the chances of viral infections increase because of high humidity levels. He said cases had increased across the country and there had also been a small increase in Punjab.He, however, said there was no need to panic or worry, adding that govt had made arrangements for testing and treatment and that all necessary facilities were in place. “There is no need to panic. You should simply continue with your normal routine,” he said.
