H3N2 Influenza Cases In India: The first two deaths due to H3N2 influenza were reported in Haryana and Karnataka amid the outbreak of seasonal influenza in India. The Health Ministry issued a statement assuring that the situation is being closely monitored immediately. Know the preparedness of the central government regarding this virus and 10 things related to it.
1-According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), an increase in cases of H3N2 subtype of influenza type A has been recorded in the last 2-3 months. Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza virus that affects all parts of the world. The main reason for the current respiratory illness in the country is H3N2. Influenza A (H1N1pdm09), Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B (Victoria) have been detected in India.
2-According to India’s health ministry, a total of 3,038 cases of different subtypes of influenza, including H3N2, have been confirmed in India till March 9. Of these, 1,245 cases were reported in January, 1,307 in February and 486 in March.
3-The Union Health Ministry has confirmed two deaths due to this virus in the country. The ministry has expressed hope that the cases of this seasonal influenza will reduce by the end of March. These cases are being tracked and strict vigil is being kept on infections and deaths. Every year seasonal influenza in the country peaks from January to March and second after the monsoon season.
4- In addition to people with weakened immune systems due to chronic medical problems, infection with this virus can be serious for high-risk groups such as older adults and young children. in Hassan, Karnataka in the country 82-year-old Heere Gowda, a patient of diabetes and hypertension, is the first person to die of H3N2. A 56-year-old lung cancer patient died due to this virus on Wednesday (March 9) in Haryana’s Jind.
5- Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting regarding the increasing cases of H3N2 Influenza virus in the country. Advisory has been issued to the States to remain alert and monitor the situation closely. The Central Government is working closely with the States to deal with the situation and is prepared to take all health measures.
6- Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said, "So far 10 cases of H3N2 virus have been reported in Haryana… Caution is needed, there is no need to panic. It is similar to H1N1, even milder than that. We are making full preparations."
7- Kerala Health Minister Veena George, "We detected cases of influenza in Kerala during October and also issued a circular. Doctors have been asked to send samples of fever patients for influenza test. Currently, we have 2 cases in Alappuzha, no new case has been reported and no death has been reported so far."
8- Influenza H3N2 has been the dominant subtype in samples testing positive for influenza, since the beginning of this year. WHO has recommended the drug Oseltamivir for this.
9- It is believed that H3N2 has caused more hospitalizations than other influenza subtypes. The ministry said that 10 per cent of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) H3N2 require oxygen and 7 per cent require ICU care.
10-According to official sources, "The Empowered Group on COVID 19 and the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) will hold an internal meeting tomorrow to review the COVID and H3N2 situation in the country."
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