THREAT OF SWINE FLU OUTBREAK

Influenza A (H1N1) virus is responsible for swine flu. It can easily cross the species barrier and zoonotic jumps from pigs to humans have been observed. It emerged from Mexico in 2009 and spread with travelers worldwide, resulting in swine flu pandemic. More than 195 countries have reported confirmed human cases of swine flu. Due to the pandemic threats of swine flu and its ultimate public health impact, it has achieved a global focus. Unpredictable nature of the swine flu outbreaks is a challenge for researchers to discover effective strategies against it. World Health Organization keeps an eye on the cases of swine flu to see its epidemiological aspects and how to stop the virus spreading. Infected people may infect others beginning a day before the symptoms develop up to seven or more days. The fatality rate is estimated to be 26 per 100,000 cases, which is almost similar to that of seasonal flu and lower than in previous influenza pandemics. Most people with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection have had self-limiting uncomplicated illness. Recently, the outbreak of swine flu in our neighborhood i.e. India has claimed more than 1400 lives, with a study suggesting that the current strain of the parent H1N1 virus has mutated to become more virulent. This outbreak is believed to be worse than that of 2009. A cohesive multispectral approach involving the government, NGOs and general public is needed for such a challenge to become a reality.