Authorities in flood-ravaged Surat city on Wednesday night issued a health warning for a suspected deadly air-borne virus following the death of two persons in 24 hours.

A warning has been issued to the people following the death of two persons due to suspected Hanta virus, Surat health department said.

Authorities have warned people from gathering at crowded places and also asked them to boil water properly before drinking.

Surat city was flooded for nearly a week following release of water from the Ukai dam a fortnight ago.

After the floodwaters receded, people in large number started fleeing from Surat -- which was hit by plague in 1994 -- amid fears of an epidemic as the city turned into a "big garbage bin".

Hanta viruses are spread by rodents and target the kidneys, lungs or pulmonary system and heart.