Union Health ministry on Friday announced they are keeping close watch on the situation of H3N2 influenza as India recorded its first two deaths, 1 each in Haryana and Karnataka. According to the data shared by the ministry, from January 2 till March 5, India has seen 451 cases in the country and they are expecting a decline in the same by the end of this month. According to the official statement, “It can be seen that Influenza H3N2 is the predominant subtype among the samples testing positive for influenza, since the beginning of this year.”The ministry is also tracking and keeping a close watch on morbidity and mortality due to the H3N2 subtype of seasonal influenza. Experts have called for the increased monitoring and precaution measures and reassured that there is no need to panic in the situation.Reportedly, 82-year-old Hire Gowda, a diabetic who suffered from hypertension also, died due to the H3N2 seasonal influenza subtype on March 1 in Karnataka. Another death, that of a 56-year-old lung cancer patient, was reported from Haryana. As per preliminary information, the patient was diagnosed positive for the H3N2 virus on January 17 at PGIMS in Rohtak, Haryana.Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said that they are keeping a close watch on the situation and fully prepared to tackle the situation and there is no need to panic.According to reports, the deceased man in Karnataka carried the symptoms of fear, chills, cough and sore throat. The department has been given the directions, and asked people to not to go for self-medication if they find symptoms of the same. More than 50 cases in the state have been reported so far, of which six cases are in Hassan. The state government held the high-level meeting and issued guidelines in this regard. The swab samples have been collected from the people having symptoms and sent for testing.Karnatakas Health Minister Dr. K Sudhakar stated that children below the age of 15 years and elderly more than 60 years of age face more danger from the H3N2 virus. He has also advised the pregnant women to be careful.According to the health ministry, H3N2 is a dominant subtype of the H1N1 virus. In past nine months, Both subtypes belong to type A. Cases of B type influenza virus have also been confirmed. These two types of influenza viruses have been known to cause outbreaks, unlike Influenza C and Influenza D. As per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that H3N2 appears to cause more hospitalizations than other subtypes of influenza virus. ICMR has advised people to wear mask at the public place as this virus route of transmission is respiratory.Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya is keeping a close watch on this. Mandaviya shared through Twitter, “Held a meeting to review rising cases of #H3N2 Influenza virus in the country. Advisory issued to States to be on the alert and closely monitor the situation. The Government of India is working with States and extending support for public health measures to address the situation.”Held a meeting to review rising cases of #H3N2 Influenza virus in the country.Advisory issued to States to be on the alert and closely monitor the situation.Government of India is working with States & extending support for public health measures to address the situation. pic.twitter.com/hXWWdC4wCy— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 10, 2023Additionally, NITI Aayog will hold an inter-ministerial meeting today to review the Seasonal Influenza situation in the States and for ways to further support them in terms of public health measures, management guidelines and protocols to manage the case.Symptoms of the H3N2 virus92 percent of people may suffer with fever, 86 percent with cough, 27 percent with breathlessness, 16 percent with wheezing. Additionally, some of them may have clinical signs of pneumonia. India witnesses two peaks of seasonal influenza: one from Jan to March and the other in the post-monsoon season, every year.As it is a respiratory virus, people have been asked to take precautions and wear masks in crowded areas.
