First Case Of H3N2 Virus Reported In Bhopal, Patient Is In Home Isolation: MP Minister

"The patient has been kept in home isolation," the minister further stated. 

Representational Image. (File Photo)

Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang on Thursday stated that the first case of H3N2 infection has been reported in Bhopal, news agency ANI reported. 

"The patient has been kept in home isolation," the minister further stated. 

The first case of H3N2 infection reported in Bhopal. The patient has been kept in home isolation: Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister, Vishwas Sarang

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Earlier in March, Madhya Pradesh health department had issued advisory for H3N2 infection. Take steps to avoid the spread of the influenza (H3N2) virus, warned Sudam Khade, commissioner of the MP health department, in a press statement. 

In a directive on infection and severe respiratory disorders such as influenza, Khade stated that all key drugs should be kept on hand. All flu bouts and seasonal suspicion of influenza variations, according to Khade, shall be diagnosed.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has also been mentioned. Formerly, the Union government instructed all states to monitor the seasonal influenza situation in real time via the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network. Meeting of the district task team on pharmaceutical availability and diagnostics.

WHO recommends the medication oseltamivir. The medication is provided at no cost.

Further measures have been made in hospitals in response to recent instructions issued by the Union and state governments. Unfortunately, the H3N2 testing technique is still confined to AIIMS Bhopal, Times Of India reported.

According to officials, no H3N2 cases have been identified. Hospital emergency departments are dealing with an increase in people reporting viral infection. At hospitals, especially Hamidia, beds must be added in anticipation of a rise in influenza-like sickness.

The paediatric ward of JP hospital contains 30 beds, all of which are occupied. Management has added 15 more beds, according to TOI's report.

How can H3N2 be prevented?

H3N2 infection can be prevented by wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, covering mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, avoiding touching eyes and nose, especially after touching an external surface, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol for fever and body ache. 

Also, people must avoid shaking hands, must not spit in public, should not eat together sitting close to others, and must not take antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a healthcare professional. 

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza infection. When the circulating viruses are well-matched with viruses contained in vaccines, an influenza vaccine is the most effective. 

(With Inputs From Agencies)