'More people getting infected is a matter of concern,' he said.

Pune has been declared a pandemic city after more than 70 people, mostly children, were tested positive for the swine flu.

Dayal said they have already issued guidelines regarding swine flu to schools as it is mostly affecting children.

Asked if the government has issued any guidelines of closing down the schools, he said: 'Guidelines are very clear. If a child is suffering from swine flu virus he should not come to school and get himself isolated. We have not recommended closing down of schools.'

He said they are monitoring the situation and would take action and review the situation following the girl's death.

Dayal also said the government has enough stock of anti-flu medicines and if the need arises they would be able to acquire more.

Since Tamiflu is available only in select government hospitals, Dayal said the government would review the situation.

'It is necessary to make it easier for people to get these medicines. We might allow it in some select government hospitals and chemist stores,' he said.

Most of the cases are being reported from the metros as the infected people were returning from foreign jaunts.

'(More cases) will happen,' he said, adding that at the time people return to India they do not exhibit symptoms of the flu, which has an incubation period of seven-10 days. 'The symptoms develop later,' Dayal said.

He added that one third of the people who test positive for swine flu are those identified at the entry point, while the rest are cases who report themselves later.

'The infection is largely from abroad and is mainly confined to cities. No case has been reported from rural areas,' he added.

Dayal stressed that testing for swine flu can't be done in private hospitals.

'Testing can't be done in every hospital lab. Certain care has to be taken while taking samples. The doctor or the technician has to wear protective gear. If it is not taken carefully, more people could be infected,' he added.

Asked is India has handled the swine flu cases properly, he said: 'We have handled it better than other countries. We have only one death from the virus. We have been able to identify all the cases and started the treatment.'