Mumbai, August 18: Swine flu death toll in Maharashtra has gone up to 18 with state government confirming that two deaths in Nashik earlier this week were due to H1N1 virus, even as 11 patients in worst-hit Pune were put on ventilator support.
“The death of two men on August 12 and 14 in Nashik was due to swine flu,” Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Sharvaree Gokhale said today. “They were critical when admitted in Nashik and died on the day of their admission.”
Across the state, 69 positive swine flu cases were reported today, and 11 patients in Pune, the worst hit by the pandemic in the country, are put on ventilator, she said.
About the positive H1N1 cases in rural Marathwada, Gokhale said the Government has opened screening centres in such areas.
The decision over extending closure of schools would be taken by the district collectors, if necessary. The government had on August 12 ordered that schools in Mumbai be closed for a week to contain spread of the deadly virus.
On show-cause notice issued to Pune’s private hospital, Ruby Hall Clinic, after the death of first swine flu victim Rida Sheikh, the Secretary said the Centre has been informed about it.
–Agencies