The weather conditions in Pune could be conducive to the swine flu virus, which is spreading rapidly in the city, the National Institute of Virology said on Tuesday.
"Pune's climate at present is not too hot nor too cold, which may be conducive for the survival of the swine flu virus," NIV Director A C Mishra said.
The NIV has issued guidelines to authorities in Pune on how to deal with patients and on screening of suspected cases. "We are in constant touch with them and guiding the doctors on the priority of treatment in serious cases," Mishra said.
Asked if any international model could be followed to tackle swine flu, he replied in the negative. "Actually, there is no international model available to be followed. Every country deals with the situation in its own way, aiming to reduce mortality rates and economic losses," he said.
In case of Pune, measures like closing of schools, colleges and other public places have already been taken, he added. A 13-year-old city girl, Shruti Gawade, became the latest victim of the deadly virus today, taking the death count due to the disease in the district to five.
A team from the National Centre of Disease Control, led by Joint Director A C Dhariwal, is in Pune to investigate the causes for the spread of swine flu and to suggest measures to bring the pandemic under control.
Pune Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Zagade held a meeting with the team today. However, he refused to disclose the details of the meeting. Mishra said he met the team and shared the information sought by them.
