Panaji (GOA) Total nine people died while another 189 tested positive for the H1N1 virus or swine flu in the State since January this year. In 2016, no deaths were reported due to swine flu.

Statistics available with the Directorate of Health Services show that since January 1 to September 1, 2017, 707 samples were sent for testing out of which 189 tested positive and there were 9 deaths.

In the previous year, 390 samples were sent for testing of which six tested positive with no deaths reported.

State Epidemiologist, Dr Utkarsh Betodkar said, “Out of the nine deaths two have died only because of swine flu, while others died due to complications along with swine flu, as most had diabetes and other respiratory illness.”

The doctor has identified the high risk category that includes children below age of five and people above 65 years, pregnant women, those suffering from uncontrolled diabetes.