India Reports First H3N2 Virus Deaths In Karnataka And Haryana, Centre Keeping 'Close Watch'. Key Points

Ninety H3N2 infections have been documented in the previous three months.

Union Health Ministry is keeping a close watch on the seasonal influenza situation

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India registered its first two deaths from the Influenza A subtype H3N2, one each from Karnataka and Haryana. Ninety H3N2 infections have been documented in the previous three months, government officials said, news agency PTI reported.

Hire Gowda, 82, died on March 1 from the H3N2 influenza, according to a state health department official. Speaking with PTI, Hassan Disrict Health Officer (DHO) stated: "It is confirmed that Hire Gowda, son of Halage Gowda, 82 years, died of H3N2 virus on March 1."

"Union Health Ministry is keeping a close watch on the Seasonal Influenza situation in various States/UTs through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network on real-time basis. So far, Karnataka and Haryana have confirmed one death each from H3N2 influenza," Union Health Ministry stated, ANI reported.

Union Health Ministry is keeping a close watch on the Seasonal Influenza situation in various States/UTs through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network on real-time basis. So far, Karnataka and Haryana have confirmed one death each from H3N2 influenza: MoHFW pic.twitter.com/jPlE9zh6Ad

— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2023

According to the official, Gowda was diabetic and had high blood pressure. The patient was hospitalised to the hospital on February 24, died on March 1, and a sample submitted for testing revealed on March 6 that he was infected with the virus, according to the DHO. According to the sources, another fatality has been reported in Haryana. 

A 56-year-old Haryana man with lung cancer who died recently tested positive for the H3N2 virus in January, according to a health department official on Friday.

Key Points: 

1. The H3N2 influenza virus has been linked to an increase in the frequency of fever and cough cases across the country.
2. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the rising number of flu infections is due to the Influenza A virus subtype.
3. Flu infections have been growing in a number of Indian states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
4. The H3N2 influenza virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family of flu viruses. The virus is one of several subtypes of the Influenza A virus.
5. When a person is infected with H3N2, the virus invades the respiratory system and produces airway inflammation, resulting in symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body pains, headache, and exhaustion.
6. In certain situations, H3N2 influenza can also cause more serious infections such as pneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly in elderly individuals, small children, and persons with compromised immune systems.
7. H3N2 influenza symptoms are similar to those of other kinds of flu viruses. The virus has an effect on the respiratory tract. The development of symptoms might occur within 48 hours following viral introduction.
8. Symptoms of H3N2 influenza virus includes: High fever, Cough, Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose, Body aches, Headache, and Fatigue.
9. H3N2 influenza is extremely infectious and may quickly transmitted from person to person by droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. The virus may also persist for many hours on surfaces and spread by contact with infected things such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.
10. Precautions for H3N2 influenza virus includes: Wash your hands with soap and water on a regular basis, especially before eating or touching your face. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve, and throw away used tissues promptly. Avoid close contact with ill persons. If you are unwell, stay at home to avoid spreading the infection to others. Wear a mask in busy places or when social separation is difficult.

(With Inputs From Agencies)