City leads in state with 452 swine flu cases

West Zone and New West Zone have recorded the highest number of swine flu or seasonal influenza cases in the city this season. The city recorded 452 swine flu cases and 10 deaths, the highest in the state till February 11 this year.

With 55 deaths and 1,431 cases, Gujarat has the third highest number of cases in the country till February 11 this year, AMC data shows. The age span of the deceased people ranges from 35 to 65 years and includes victims from areas like Saraspur, Madhupura, Ranip, Maninagar and others.

Talking about zone wise cases, West Zone and New West Zone have registered the highest number of cases this year followed by North Zone. Till Monday, 96 cases of swine flu were recorded in West Zone, 55 in North West Zone and 38 in South West. North West Zone has seen 87 cases so far. Central and South zones have recorded 50 cases each and East Zone 76 cases. Nikol led with 29 cases, followed by 20 cases each in Jodhpur and Chandkheda. Vastral registered 19 cases, Madhupura 17, Naranpura 16 and Chandlodia 13 cases.

Against 452 cases recorded, 308 patients were discharged and total death toll is 10. The total number of indoor patients as of today is 134, of which 74 are in stable condition, 3 are on Bi-pap and 54 are on Oxygen support. Of these many cases, 92 patients are in isolation ward, of which 61 are confirmed patients while 31 are suspected patients. Meanwhile, AMC has begun survey of houses, covering at least 100 houses in each zone. Of the total houses surveyed by AMC, 450 category B patients were detected and treated.

Bhavin Solanki, in-charge medical officer of health said, "The reason there are more cases in particular zone is because of more educated persons residing in the zone who approach the doctor immediately which is not the case in other zones."

Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra said, "The government and AMC are taking all preventive steps but the citizens also need to be careful. Our teams have also reached schools, malls and cinemas to create awareness among people along with increase in house-to-house surveillance and supervision. We are equipped with required medical facilities as well. There is nothing to worry so far. Our main agenda is to cut the transmission."

The civic chief also advised people to greet each other with folded hands rather than shake hands .