After Pune, Swine flu targets B’lore

With similar number of H1N1 deaths in both cities, experts wonder if the epicenter of the virus is shifting down south

After Pune, Swine flu targets B'lore

With similar number of H1N1 deaths in both cities, experts wonder if the epicenter of the virus is shifting down south

What do Bangalore and Pune share in common other than pleasant climates, IT parks and loads of institutions? Swine flu, it is.
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Till yesterday, Pune recorded 64 H1N1 deaths the highest in the country compared to Bangalore's 63.

Blame the weather

"Like Pune, Bangalore is an IT hub and the weather is similar too. As the monsoon is delayed in both places, the numbers may grow," said Dr R R Katti, deputy director, health department, Pune.

Dr Poornima Parthasarathy, from Manipal Hospital in Bangalore, however, thinks otherwise.

"We can't say that the epicenter is moving or has moved. Bangalore is recording more deaths because of a higher number of infections. Temperature seems to have quite a bit to do with the spread of the infection."

Rajeev Dhere, assistant director, vaccines, Serum Institute of India, Pune, said, "The virus seems to have spread largely due to festivals. Pune recorded its largest number of cases post Ganpati."

"The weather is suitable for the spread of the virus in Bangalore. It might prolong even into the next month," added Dr R Shashikanth, medical officer, St Martha's Hospital, Bangalore.

Panic

Bhushan Kelkar, an IT professional, said, "The spread of the virus is more in schools, as it was in Pune and parents are worried."

He believes IT companies too need to be careful. Bangalore houses more than three times the number of IT companies compared to Pune.

"Care must be taken in both cities," said Deepak Shikarpur, executive director, Computer Society of India, Pune.