The cases of H3N2 influenza are continuously increasing in India. H3N2 influenza, which causes respiratory problems, has killed two people so far. The Union Health Ministry said on Friday that one death due to H3N2 influenza has occurred in Karnataka and the other in Haryana. The government feels that the cases of H3N2 influenza infection will reduce by the end of March, but NITI Aayog has become alert on its part. The commission will hold an inter-ministerial meeting on Saturday to take stock of the situation in the states of the country.
The government’s policy makers and institutions can send necessary help to the states for better management of public health. Guidelines are issued for prevention of increasing cases of seasonal influenza and necessary measures can be taken to control it.
The Health Ministry has advised the states to be vigilant and monitor the situation. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting to review the situation arising out of rising cases of H3N2 Influenza in the country. He said on Twitter, ‘The Government of India is monitoring the situation and working closely with the states. All necessary help is being given to maintain public health services better.
An 82-year-old man died due to H3N2 influenza in Karnataka’s Hassan district, state health ministry officials told news agency PTI. He was also suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.
A 56-year-old man also died in Haryana. This person suffering from lung cancer was also found infected with H3N2 influenza virus on 17 January.
As per the latest data available on the Unified Information Platform, 3,038 cases of different types of influenza, including H3N2, were reported till March 9. These are all such cases which have been confirmed in the investigation. According to Health Ministry data, H3N2 influenza cases are showing the highest number of samples tested for possible cases of influenza since the beginning of this year.
Seasonal influenza causes severe respiratory infections. This infection is spreading all over the world due to influenza virus. In certain months of the year, there is a spurt in the cases of this disease. The Health Ministry said that influenza cases peak twice every year in India – January to March and after the monsoon ends.
According to government data, a total of 3,97,814 cases of influenza or respiratory infection were registered in the country during January 2023. This figure increased to 4,36,523 by February 2023.
The health ministry said in a statement that the state surveillance authorities are fully prepared to deal with the public health challenges. The ministry said in the statement, ‘The ministry is monitoring its effect and mortality rate on people with pre-existing health problems of H3N2 influenza type of seasonal influenza. Children and the elderly who are already suffering from some disease are most vulnerable to seasonal influenza.
The Ministry of Health is distributing Oseltamivir drug free of cost through the public health system. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of this medicine. To reach more and more people, the government has allowed its sale, ensuring its availability everywhere.
