India : H1N1 continues to pose a threat: scientists

Via Hindustan Times :

" The H1NI outbreak may have subsided but scientists at the premier National Institute of Virology have warned that the virus continues to pose a serious threat.

The scientists at the virology laboratory, who conducted detailed tests and studies, concluded that the severity of H1N1 is less than that reported for Spanish Flu in 1918 but higher than other pandemics of the 20th century.

"Deaths are being reported from Maharashtra till now.

Five deaths due to the virus have been reported this month alone from Pune," Indian Council of Medical Research Director General M V Katoch said while commenting on the study.

He said that the pandemic influenza "should be considered as serious health threat and the unprecedented global response seems justified."

Already 1,509 deaths and 31,826 positive cases due to H1N1 flu have been reported since May 2009."