Lucknow: 45 new swine flu cases were today detected taking the figure of those affected by the disease to 614 in Uttar Pradesh where the state government has decided to increase number of beds in hospitals.
"Of the 45 new cases, 37 are from Lucknow, three from Allahabad, two from Bareilly and one each from Raebareli, Meerut and Faizabad," a Health Department official said.
With this, the number of H1N1 virus patients has surged to 614 in the state, the maximum of 505 being reported in Lucknow, where leave of all the health department officials has been cancelled, he said.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has requested the media not to create panic over swine flu and said that state government had taken all the necessary measures to check the spread of the disease.
"I request you not to create panic over swine flu. We have taken all necessary measures and even announed free treatment for those suffering from the disease," Mr Yadav said.
He also said that beds in government hospitals will be increased soon.
A total of 1,561 patients were screened today out of which 614 were tested positive while 14 persons have died so far in the state.
The deadly virus has affected 22 districts. Eight deaths have been reported from Lucknow, two from Kanpur and one each from Saharanpur, Bareilly, Unnao and Badaun districts.
The state government has directed the local bodies and municipal corporations to launch cleanliness drive throughout the state.