The Union Health Ministry said that, as of March 9, the total number of deaths due to the H1N1 virus stood at 1,482 with as many as 26,455 people catching the disease across the various states.

Rajasthan Food and Civil Supplies Minister Hem Singh Bhadana tested positive for swine flu and is undergoing treatment. His sample was sent from Alwar on Sunday and health officials confirmed that he has been infected with the virus.

Health Ministry data showed that the toll due to the disease was highest in Gujarat where 347 people have died while the number of affected persons was 5,715, Gulf News reports revealed.