Amid rise in H3N2 virus cases, Tamil Nadu Health Minister MA Subramanian spoke about the initiatives by the Health Ministry in order to tackle the spurt and assist patients better. The state Health Minister said that a mega fever camp will be organised where 1000 camps will be set up all over the state on March 10 from 9 AM onwards.
Speaking at a press briefing, Subramanian advised people to follow Covid protocols and said that they should not spread fear.
“H3N2 virus cases are raising all over India. Fever continues for 3-4 days. State Health Department has adequate stock of medicines. People should not fear this spread. ICMR has advised to follow Covid protocols for this new virus fever,” said Tamil Nadu Health Minister MA Subramanian.
“Tamil Nadu Health Department to conduct a mega fever camp where 1000 camps all over the state to be conducted on 10th March from 9 AM. In Chennai alone, we are going to conduct fever camps in 200 places,” he added.
Tamil Nadu to set up 1,000 camps
These camps will help make diagnosis, offer counselling and prescriptions to patients with symptoms such as fever, cold or cough amid the alarming rise in H3N2 virus cases. These camps will be held in areas where cases are reported in high numbers to the health authorities. In Chennai, the Greater Chennai Corporation will organise camps in public places such as community halls in 200 wards. Each camp will have a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and an attendant.
The Tamil Nadu public health laboratory found that most types of fever were caused by viruses such as respiratory syncytial (RSV), adeno and influenza viruses (H3N2). Some patients complained about prolonged cough and fatigue for up to 10 days, but there was no significant increase in mortality, doctors said.
Meanwhile, former AIIMS-Delhi Director Dr Randeep Guleria said the new virus spreads like COVID and added that special care should be taken for the health of the elderly and those with comorbidities.
The common symptoms of the H3N2 virus include a runny nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
