Dip in H1N1 cases,but question mark over immunity

Mehta feels the epidemic will last for another few weeks till it becomes endemic to the region with a stray one or two cases being reported. NIV deputy director Dr M S Chadda too pointed out that studies are under way at NIV to test the serum samples to examine antibodies against the virus. It is too early to declare the results of the studies and we need to conduct more tests for a geographic representation of the city,said Dr B V Tandaley,a scientist at the NIV.

Earlier,The Indian Express had reported that there was a build-up of immunity levels among doctors who had treated H1N1 patients. By and large certain groups like doctors had 6-10 per cent immunity levels against the virus. Chadda said it was a welcome development as various groups were showing immunity against the virus,including school students. There is a sizeable immunity level (10-20 per cent) among various groups in the city,Chadda said. No results have been declared till date.

According to Tandaley,serum samples have been taken from 20 localities in Pune. He said it was a challenge to collect serum samples as there is a loss of interest about H1N1 virus among people.

Dr D B Kadam,HoD (Medicine) at Sassoon Hospital which saw the largest number of swine flu patients admitted to the ICU,said 60 per cent of the population needs to develop a herd immunity for the epidemic to die out. “Cases are still being reported to ICU in Pune. However,the numbers are more in rural outskirts and Pimpri-Chinchwad. It is difficult to predict a second wave and the only solution is to be prepared,” he said.

Pune has seen 93 deaths since August this year,the highest in Maharashtra with an overall death toll of 197.