India: Case of swine flu reported in Mumbai

Event

According to the health officials in India, a confirmed case of swine flu was reported in Mumbai as of early October. According to local sources, the case was the first reported in the city in 2018. More widely, at least 90 fatal cases of swine flu have been reported from January through September in Maharashtra state.

Context

India experiences regular seasonal influenza outbreaks, especially during Monsoon season (which runs from June to September). H1N1 is a contagious virus that can spread from human to human. Symptoms of the disease include a sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles, headache, and severe dizziness. Individuals most at risk include pregnant women, children, elderly persons, and otherwise immunocompromised people.

In 2015, India experienced its worst outbreak of swine flu disease with over 42,500 cases reported, nearly 3000 of which proved fatal.

Advice

All those present in India, especially those in Mumbai, are advised to take basic hygienic measures to reduce their risk of contracting the flu (e.g., frequent hand washing) and to consider getting vaccinated. People developing the above symptoms are advised to seek medical attention.