Raipur, Aug 13 - The number of suspected cases of swine flu in Chhattisgarh has soared from four to 22, a health official said Thursday.

Most of the suspected patients came from Maharashtra, particularly Pune, the worst hit city that accountd for 11 of India's 18 deaths.

'A total of 22 suspected cases have been found but we are awaiting the results of samples sent for testing to Delhi,' Arvind Neral, head of the microbiology department of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Government Medical College and Hospital, told reporters.

All the suspected swine flu patients have been given anti-biotics and have been advised to remain quarantined in their houses till the test reports are received.

The government has set up a special cell to tackle the influenza A (H1N1) infection.

The authorities announced Thursday they were deploying doctors at Raipur airport and railway stations across the state to examine passengers coming in from others states particularly Maharashtra and Delhi.