Jaipur: Rajasthan government is gearing to deal with the contagious H1N1 virus after there were 17 reported cases of Swine flu in just five days after entering 2016.

The state was hit hard by the virus in 2015, when over 6,800 positive cases of swine flu were reported and the toll was around 468, a senior health department official told on Wednesday.

"We do not want to take any chances and we have started to take steps or measures to curb the spread of this disease, which usually hits the state during the winter season," the official said.

"Of 17 positive cases reported, nine are from Jaipur, four from Kota and the rest are from other cities," he added.

"We are fully prepared to deal with the disease," the official said, adding that awareness campaigns on swine flu have been launched.

Directions have been issued to conduct diagnostic tests at the earliest on the patients showing signs or symptoms of swine flu. (IANS)( Photo: springsadvertiser.co.za)