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
Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman to visit Trump in White House
Man charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after knife attack on UK train
Tanzania's Hassan sworn into office after deadly election violence
Powerful 6.3 quake kills at least 20 in Afghanistan, hundreds injured
