In the first 10 days of February, Swine Flu has claimed the lives of 216 people in India. While the deadly disease has killed 407 people since January, more than 5,000 cases have been reported in 2015.
Scientists at the Jabalpur-based Indian Medical Council of Research (ICMR) have detected variation in swine flu virus samples sent to their lab, TOI reported, and doctors fear the virus may mutate into a more deadly strain.
"Samples are being sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) for further investigation. Virus isolated from throat swab samples of some patients has shown genetic mutation," said a medical officer at ICMR.
The death toll from Swine Flu, rising steadily in different parts of the country, has been the worst in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where more than 100 people have died in both states respectively.
Swine Flu deaths on Thursday included two deaths women in Kolkata, a Swiss woman in Jodhpur, two in Punjab, where the toll has reached 19, eight in Rajasthan, and eight Gujarat.
In Madhya Pradesh, Congress workers staged a protest on Thursday to demand the resignation of Health Minister Narottam Mishra's for failing to tackle spread of swine flu in the state.
(With Agency Inputs)