Swine flu infection in Rajasthan has assumed epidemic proportions. With another 100-odd cases being detected on Monday, the number of cases has breached the 1,300 mark, while the death toll stood at 51. The symptoms of the deadly flu is similar to that of viral fever, with cough, sore throat, and body ache, prompting people to believe that it is seasonal flu and doesn’t require urgent medical attention. And, because it is extremely infectious, spreading through touch, cough and sneeze (mucous and saliva), it doesn’t take much to infect a wide section of the population. 

However, what is worse, is the political blame-game that has erupted between the Congress and the BJP, each accusing the other of being inept in controlling the epidemic. Since it is a seasonal affair, one expects the state government to put a system in place that runs like a well-oiled machinery. Consider this: Since 2013, swine flu had struck Rajasthan every year with the number of deceased varying between 34 in 2014 and 472 in 2015, the deadliest year. Children less than five years of age and adults more than 65 are more vulnerable to the infection. 

The Congress government seems to have been caught unawares that such a crisis is unfolding in the state. It needs to marshal resources at this critical juncture. Last year more than 540 people had died of swine flu, with Maharashtra alone accounting for 50 per cent of the deaths, followed by Rajasthan. The H1N1 virus is having a free run also because state governments had failed to closely monitor the cases at village, district and city levels. Adequate supplies of drugs and testing kits as well as functional ventilators for patients requiring critical care would be necessary for Rajasthan government to battle the flu.