Delhi prepared for swine flu

New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) With swine flu cases being reported from various parts of the country, the Delhi government Tuesday said hospitals in the capital were prepared to deal with the virus.

"Delhi hospitals are well prepared for swine flu. Hospitals have been earmarked for swine flu patients," said Delhi Health Minister Ashok Walia.

Walia said there was enough supply of 'Tamiflu', the medicine for swine flu. He added that six cases had been reported in the city so far.

"In 2012, three cases were registered in January, two in February and one in March. The government is keeping a close watch on the situation," he said.

Swin flu killed 81 people in Delhi in 2009 and 56 in 2010. In 2011, only two deaths were reported from Delhi.

Swine flu cases have been reported from at least 10 states this year. It has claimed 15 lives in Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Across the country, the disease claimed more than 2,700 lives from May to December last year.

The peak season for swine flu infections starts in May as monsoon approaches. More than 46,000 people were affected by the virus from May to December 2011, according to health ministry figures.