Swine flu hit the India, season count rises to 95

ISLAMABAD: Two patients succumbed to H1N1 virus-related complications, taking the swine flu death toll rose to 11 in New Dehli state of India since January, The daily India Express reported.

According to reports at least 95 people were dead and more than 500 patients were diagnosed since january in four states of India.

A 45-year-old woman at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and a 36-year-old patient at Apollo Hospital in Sarita Vihar succumbed to the illness, reportedly from respiratory complications. Both patients were admitted in the ICU and were on ventilator support. An official said the respiratory problems led to compromised lung function.

"The swine flu virus is known to cause respiratory distress if diagnosed late or in patients suffering from other problems like asthma, diabetes or cardiovascular problems. Once it affects the lungs, patients are unable to breathe on their own," he said.

Another 53 patients tested positive for the H1N1 virus on Tuesday, after sporadic rainfall over the weekend. A total of 510 patients been diagnosed with the virus since January 1.

Health department officials said the intermittent rainfall over the past two months had led to the rise in swine flu cases.

With more rainfall expected over the coming weekend, officials said the conditions are still conducive for the spread of the virus. "High humidity levels and low temperatures create an environment where the virus can grow and spread.