Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Swine flu has claimed 36 more lives, taking the death toll in India to 1,041.

19,000 people have been affected by the virus so far.

Rajasthan and Gujarat have been the worst-hit states with 234 and 231 deaths, respectively.

According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, unusual weather conditions prevailing across the country has aggravated the situation and with the rainy days expected ahead, there is a possibility of steep rise in the numbers.

This has raised serious concerns over H1N1 influenza, as weather plays a major role in intensifying flu. In a bid to curtail spread of this deadly virus, it is quite necessary for temperatures to rise and humidity levels to drop, which is not expected to happen any time sooner.

Gujarat government has also imposed a ban on most public gatherings of five or more people in Ahmedabad in a bid to halt the spread of swine flu. Officials have also asked people to wear special mask as precautionary measure.

Symptoms for swine flu include high fever, headache, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and internal and external bleeding in serious cases.

(With Agency inputs)