As nights get pleasant and mornings cool, enough to make one sleep for an extra hour, health experts are worried about the impending surge in H1N1 cases. According to epidemiologists, the dip in temperature is conducive for the H1N1 virus to multiply and spread. That said, the Capital has been experiencing a decline in the cases, at least as of now.

According to health authorities, public awareness in Delhi has helped the state deal with the cases in a more efficient manner as compared to other states. “We have been told by the epidemiologists that as winter sets in, number of cases will rise. But we are happy with our efforts so far in managing to curb the spread of the virus. Public awareness has helped in detecting cases early and checking the spread as of now. While a sudden surge has not happened yet, we are waiting and watching,” said Dr Anjan Prakash, state nodal officer for H1N1.

Over the last two days the minimum temperature in Delhi has dropped to around 19 degree Celsius, normal by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) standards but chilly nevertheless. Days, however, are warm at 35 degree, around 2 degrees above normal. Compared to last month, the minimum temperatures are around 10 degree less.

The IMD predicts the night temperatures to remain around 19 degree and the daytime temperature to reach 34 degree over the next couple of days that may lead to an increase in flu cases.

According to the Union Health Ministry, until Thursday Delhi had recorded 2,941 positive cases of swine flu and a death toll of 15 ever since its outbreak in the country on May 16. Maharashtra had the highest number of cases, at 3,187 and a toll of 153.

... contd.