‎Andhra, Telangana register highest number of swine flu cases

HYDERABAD: With a record number of 24 positive cases having been reported on Sankranti day alone, the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have now earned the dubious distinction of registering the highest number of swine flu cases in the country for January. The total official tally, including 12 fresh incidents on Friday, currently stands at 111.Delhi comes a close second with 79 cases as on January 15.
Apart from two dozen patients testing positive for the H1N1 virus, the festival day also witnessed two deaths, both reported from the city's Gandhi Hospital. The deceased were identified as Shareefe Bee, 65, a resident of Sadasivapet in Medak, and Krishnappa, 60, from Jeedimetla.
Confirming that Telangana and AP are leading the swine flu chart, an official from the directorate general of health services, Nirman Bhavan, Delhi, said that the trend was indeed unprecedented. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said, "While it is true that other states in the country too are registering H1N1 cases this January, the rate is unusually high in the new states. But we are yet to analyze the reason for this."
Experts attributed this startling phenomenon to the unusual cold wave condition prevailing in the area, especially in Telangana. The city's lowest temperature recorded this month was 10 degree Celsius (January 10), while in Adilabad it dropped to as low as 6 degree.
"It has been scientifically proven that a drop in temperature allows viruses, including H1N1, to thrive and multiply. This happens as cold weather condition also weakens our immune systems, making us more susceptible to the virus," said Dr H Guru Prasad, senior general physician, Yashoda Hospital, Somajiguda.
Taking 2012 as an indicator, experts said the total number of swine flu cases reported from erstwhile AP that year was a high 326, as the mercury levels that winter touched shivering 8.4 degrees. "Comparatively, we did not have so many swine flu cases in 2013 (71) and 2014 (88) as the dip in temperature was not too severe," recalled Dr V V Prasad, consultant pulmonologist, KIMS hospital, while terming this link between cold weather and the spread of virus as a common "textbook theory".
Interestingly, health authorities from Telangana, had a different take on the rise in numbers. "It only shows that people are increasingly becoming aware of the need to get themselves tested for swine flu. There is still no need to panic," said Dr Motilal Naik, joint director, epidemics cell, Telangana state.
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It has been scientifically proven that a drop in temperature allows viruses, including H1N1, to thrive and multiply. This happens as cold weather condition also weakens our immune systems, making us more susceptible to the virus - Dr H Guru Prasad, senior general physician