92 cases of swine flu in Gujarat this year, 12 deaths

Ahmedabad: As many as 12 persons have died of swine flu in Gujarat out of the total of 92 cases reported since the beginning of the year with five dying today of the virus infection in the state.

"Till today 92 cases of swine flu have been registered in various hospitals. Out of them, 12 persons have lost their lives, including the five who died today," State Health Commissioner J P Gupta said. Three people died on Friday in Surat, one in Jamnagar and one in Ahmedabad, he said.

As the death toll is rising, the state government has devised a comprehensive plan to tackle the situation, he said. "Swine flu is an air-borne virus. So people should avoid going to crowded places. There are many other preventive steps. We are going to start a statewide advertising campaign on local TV channels. We have also prepared large hoardings to be put in major cities," said Gupta.

"Majority of the cases which came to us were referred to by private doctors. Therefore we are going to issue an advisory to all the private doctors to first check the symptoms of swine flu and follow a procedure. This can save lives, as the disease can be cured if detected early," said Gupta.