New Delhi, August 27
The first scientific analysis of swine flu mortalities in India has revealed that the virus is mainly killing the young, especially those who are reporting late to hospitals. So far, majority of the 78 deaths in the country have occurred among patients who are between 14 and 44 years, and who have accessed the health facilities at least five days late.

The analysis has also disproved the past belief that high temperature was the gravest sign in an H1N1 infection. “In our scientific analysis of partial data of 30 deaths, we have found that high fever is a major symptom only in suspect cases. In the dead, cough and breathlessness are common,” Director General Health Services (DGHS) RK Srivastava today said, warning people with the first signs of pneumonia and lung probglems to immediately see the doctor at a government hospital.

Although the Health Ministry today downplayed swine flu death rate of 2.21 per cent in India, it is above the global average of 0.4 per cent. “This is not the correct representation of death rate. First look at our population and then the mortality data. Compare it to the US and Argentina and you will know that many patients we have not categorized as high risk (C category which has fever, lung problems and breathlessness) are actually surviving the virus," Srivastava said.

So far, the Indian virologists have not been able to predict the nature of H1N1 although virological studies are on at NIV Pune. However, clinical behaviour of the virus is worrisome, said the DGHS, admitting that its severity was not earlier anticipated.

With the winters approaching (flu viruses become more virulent at low temperatures) the government has geared up to build testing and treatment capacity, with 16 private labs agreeing to help with tests. Delhi will test samples at Dang, Lal and RO Pro labs, which have agreed to charge Rs 4,000 per sample which the government sends. Costing structure for those who go directly to private labs is not so clear.

In the government sector, 18 labs are functioning, but seven major states and seven northeastern states still don’t have any labs and are tagged to NICD, Delhi, West Bengal and Pune labs for testing of samples.

To help NE states, the government has sent six ventilators to Arunachal, Mizoram and Nagaland, which had no such facility. Meanwhile, the six metros have been supplied with enough Tamiflu to treat 10,000 patients each. The drug has also been sent to 35 major cities which have reported infections.