This Article is From Jul 03, 2010

Mumbai: Swine flu virus in city air, says BMC

Mumbai: Following nine deaths and detection of over 100 positive cases of swine flu in the city in the past two months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged people to be cautious saying that the "H1N1 virus was in the air".

"Nine people have died due to swine flu between May and June. Over 100 positive cases were reported in June. We appeal to people to be cautious and take necessary precautions as the virus is in the air," Additional Municipal Commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar said.

"If people have any flu-like symptoms they must immediately consult a doctor," she said.

The civic body has also issued an advisory to both the BMC-run and private schools on swine flu.

"We want teachers to be alert. So we have asked them to report swine flu related cases or any similar symptoms to their parents who in turn must get their children tested. The child must stay at home in isolation than let the virus spread in school," Mhaiskar said.

Unlike the situation earlier, Tamiflu is now available at chemist shops on the prescription of doctors, she said.

As per the civic body, 20 hospitals, 163 dispensaries and 26 maternity homes will treat swine flu related cases in the metropolis.

A doctor from St George Hospital, who had tested positive for swine flu in June and was undergoing treatment at the J J hospital, was discharged last week, it said.
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