13 new swine flu cases reported from Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow: Thirteen new cases of swine flu surfaced today, taking the total number of people suffering from the H1N1 virus to 627 in Uttar Pradesh, where 15 persons have died so far due to the disease.

"Of the 13 new cases, 11 are from Lucknow and one each from Bareilly and Azamgarh while the death toll has reached 15," a Health department official said here.

With this, the number of H1N1 virus patients has surged to 627 in the state, the maximum of 516 being reported in Lucknow, where leave of all the health department officials has been cancelled, he said.

A total of 1,580 patients were screened out of which 627 were tested positive while 15 persons have died so far in the state.

Yesterday, 45 persons tested positive for swine flu, prompting Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to direct officials to ensure additional beds and medicines for the patients.

The chief minister held a review meeting with Principal Secretary Medical and Health and directed to provide free treatment to the patients.

The deadly virus has affected 23 districts. Eight deaths have been reported from Lucknow, two each from Kanpur and Bareilly, one each from Saharanpur, Unnao, and Badaun districts.