Seven people, including two each in Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka, died due to swine flu Wednesday, taking India's toll to 145, health authorities said here.
With the two deaths - one each in Pune and Mumbai, respectively - the toll in Maharashtra, which has seen the maximum number of deaths and cases, has gone up to 67. The total number of people affected by the virus in the state has gone up to 1,885. The two deaths - in Bijapur and Bangalore, respectively - have taken the total number of deaths in Karnataka to 45 - the second highest in the country. In Kerala, the two deaths have taken the toll in the state to four, health authorities said here. One death was also reported from Surat in Gujarat, where 12 people have so far lost their lives due to swine flu.
Meanwhile, 214 fresh cases were reported in the country, taking the total number of people affected with influenza A(H1N1) to 5,435.
WHO warns of winter surge of Swine Flu in South East Asia
The swine flu virus may see a possible upsurge during the upcoming winter season in the South East Asian region, including India, the World Health Organisation today warned, asking nations to continue updating combat measures.
China's mass swine flu vaccination
China is to become the first country in the world to start a mass swine flu vaccination programme for its population following a big surge in the number of cases. No one's died yet from the virus in China but the authorities there describe the situation as 'grim'. The big rise coincides with the start of the school year and the approaching winter.
