Odisha reported 59 positive cases of H3N2 influenza in January and February. The state had collected a total of 225 samples, of which 59 came out positive for H3N2, a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs and has infected humans.
“Out of the 225 samples collected in the month of January and February in Odisha, a total of 59 H3N2 influenza cases were found in the state,” Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar Director Sanghamitra Pati told PTI.
The symptoms of H3N2 influenza are similar to those of seasonal flu viruses and can include fever and cough. Odisha Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra said that as there is “no definitive treatment available” for the virus, people should “strictly follow the Covid guidelines to keep H3N2 at bay.”
Meanwhile, India reported two deaths due to the H3N2 virus in Karnataka and Haryana. An 82-year-old man, Hire Gowda, died due to the seasonal influenza subtype on March 1. He was a diabetic who suffered from hypertension. In Haryana, a 56-year-old lung cancer patient died of the H3N2 influenza.
As per the union health ministry, the country has reported 451 cases of the H3N2 from January 2 to March 5. In view of the rising cases, the Central government requested all states and Union territories to follow operational guidelines for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens presenting as cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI).
The states were also requested to take a stock of hospital preparedness such as availability of drugs and medical oxygen, vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza.
“While the COVID-19 trajectory has decreased substantially in last few months, the gradual rise in COVID-19 test positivity rates in some states is a concerning issue that needs to be promptly addressed,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter to states and UTs on Saturday.
