Kolkata, Feb 13 (IANS): Swine flu has claimed two lives in Kolkata and seven fresh cases have been detected, a West Bengal health department official said Thursday.

The deaths of two women were reported late Wednesday, according to state Health Secretary Moloy De.

"Seven more people have tested positive as of today (Thursday). Till Wednesay, there were 10 cases and out of them, two succumbed Wednesday night," De told IANS.

He said the total number of patients afflicted was now 15.

Swine flu cases were first reported in Bengal Monday.

Tests were being conducted at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) facility in Beleghata.

De said the central medical store has been instructed to stock Oseltemavir tablets and masks.

Hospitals and medical colleges have been asked to remain extremely watchful and be ready with facilities for treating H1N1 cases.

The union health ministry Friday reviewed the swine flu situation in various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat. More than 200 people have lost their lives to swine flu this year.