A fresh outbreak of the dreaded H1N1 virus has surfaced in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and some other states, claiming at least 21 lives in the last three months, Press Trust of India ( PTI ) reported.

At least 309 cases have been reported in five states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat, the Health Ministry said.

Of the total 21 deaths in 2012 so far, Maharashtra has reported nine deaths, followed by seven in Rajasthan and five in Andhra Pradesh. No death has taken place in Karnataka and Gujarat, which have also reported cases of H1N1 virus this year.

While states reporting fresh cases of the H1N1 influenza virus (also known as swine flu), and steps taken to monitor the situation, the government stressed that there was no cause for panic.

“The Health Ministry is monitoring the situation. There is no cause for worry. States where cases had been reported have been advised to step up surveillance to control the further spread of the virus,” Health Secretary PK Pradhan told PTI .

Officials said that these isolated outbreaks occur during the change of season as warned by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and corrective measures have been taken to ensure that the virus do not spread from humans to humans.

A health expert said: “This is part of the life cycle of the virus, as it may continue for a few seasons after the Pandemic was called off in November 2010, and the human population has developed adequate immunity against it.”

- Bernama