Representational Image. Photo: REUTERS/Arko Datta

Bengaluru: The number of confirmed H1N1 cases in the State has doubled, in the past one week. Health Department sources said that from the 24 positive cases reported last week, the number has now jumped to 54. However no deaths have been reported.

Of the total of 54 cases reported in the State from January 1, the majority have been reported in Bengaluru, itself. Of this, 37 cases have been reported in BBMP limits, while two other cases have been reported from Bengaluru Urban jurisdiction. Officials said 268 samples had been tested for H1N1.

Likewise earlier, last month cases were reported in Tumakuru as well, District Vector Borne Disease Control Officer, Dr.H. Veena informed, “Out of four H1N1 cases, three are from Sira taluk and one from Chikkanayakanahalli taluk.” She said they are all recovering from H1N1.

In the month of January, the hospitals in the city were finding it difficult to cope with the situation as the free supply of H1N1 medicine from the Centre has been stopped. The hospitals had been asked to procure it locally, which was turning out to be an expensive affair.

However Health Minister U.T. Khader said the situation was not alarming and it was being monitored.

RGICD Director Shashidhar Buggi attributed the cases to the fluctuating climate. “The flu can be treated if people seek medical advice at the earliest. But most people tend to ignore the symptoms and report it only when the condition worsens”, he said.

(Agencies)