Nine swine flu deaths reported in June

Nine swine flu deaths have been reported from across the country in the last one week, the health ministry said Wednesday.

Of these, one death has been reported from Karnataka while four deaths each have been reported from Maharashtra and Kerala.

The southern states of India have seen a spurt in swine flu cases since the monsoon hit the region late last month.

"The cases have been reported from the southern part. We can say it is because of higher levels of humidity in these areas," a health ministry official said.

"Last week (May 25-31), 30 cases of swine flu were confirmed, this week the number is 47," the official added.

During May, 10 deaths were reported across the country.

Health ministry officials, however, say that the government is prepared as the monsoon is expected to increase the number of cases once again.

"The situation is under control, we are monitoring the situation closely. An indigenous vaccine has already been launched. We will be having three more by August," a ministry official added.

Delhi, which has so far recorded the maximum number of cases across the country with 9,696 confirmed reports, had only one case of swine flu in May. All other cases during May were reported from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Last week, out of the 47 reported cases, 22 were from Maharashtra while 19 were from Kerala, five from Tamil Nadu, and one each from Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir.

Maharashtra has so far reported the maximum number of deaths due to swine flu with the number standing at 470 since April last year.

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