Rapid spread of swine flu claims 226 lives in India

India has recorded an alarming spike in swine flu cases this year, with 226 people reported dead.

It has triggered a health alarm with more than 6,700 cases reported across the country.

Most of the cases are reported from the northern Indian states of Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana.

“Flu outbreaks are cyclic and the numbers go down every alternate year as outbreaks lead to the community developing immunity against infection. Last year, there were fewer than 15,000 cases, so this year we are expecting some increase,” said Union health secretary Preeti Sudan.

Rebecca Bundhun reports from India