H1N1 is creating havoc in Hyderabad and has already claimed 11 lives in the last 30 days, while over 150 people have tested positive for the virus. Reportedly, two doctors have also tested positive for swine flu, triggering panic among the medical staff.

Telangana Chief Minister Mr K Chandrasekhara Rao (KCR) has asked the state health department to initiate emergency measures to tackle the virus. Mr KCR has also briefed Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi on the situation and has requested for central medical teams to be sent to Hyderabad. "I have requested the PM to dispatch medical teams to help the state health officials. More medicines have also been requested," the CM said in a statement.

State Health Minister Dr T Rajaiah, however, said that there is no reason to panic. "The prolonged chilly weather has compounded the problem. There is no reason to panic but we have to be careful. One reason why we are able to detect so many cases is because of the excellent virology lab we have in Hyderabad,'' said Dr Rajaiah.

Officials are requesting people to wear nose masks when visiting hospitals and in public places. Since January 1, 2015, 173 swine flu cases have been detected in Telangana and Andhra - 169 in Telangana and 4 in Andhra, the officials informed.