Swine flu-scared people take to facemasks

Kolkata, Aug 19 (ANI): People in Kolkata are taking precautions against swine flu or H1N1 influenza as the number of cases is on rise in the country.

Residents are wearing facemasks or covering their faces, especially at crowded places like airports, taxi stands and hospitals as a precautionary measure.

"I am wearing this mask as a precaution because these days we are hearing about swine flu, which is unfortunate. I am coming from Bangalore and Mysore where four cases have been reported. So I have been advised that it's better to go like this. Prevention is better than cure," said Mayank Agarwal, a passenger.

Locals with swine flu symptoms are also alert and are getting themselves medically checked.

"My daughter is seven years old. Doctor is treating her as she has been suffering from fever for four days. My husband has just returned from Singapore though he is not affected with swine flu but since it is spreading doctor advised me to come to the hospital for check up. That's why I am here," said Sohini Chakrabarty.

Meanwhile, over a hundred school children along with representatives of medical association took out a rally in Madhya Pradesh that has registered at least 66 suspected swine flu cases.

The children skated on the streets of Jabalpur, holding placards and spreading awareness about the disease.

"We want to spread awareness that swine flu is not a complicated disease. It's a very simple disease. In order to spread awareness about the disease we organised this rally," said Anusha Saraf, a schoolgirl.

India recorded its first H1N1 case in Hyderabad in May and since then the virus has spread across the country with dozens of cases from Pune city. The latest death toll in India is 29. (ANI)