New Delhi: The first case of H3N2 influenza was detected in Assam, on Wednesday night, as per an official bulletin issued by the National Health Mission (NHM). It further stated that the Health Department was keeping a close watch on the situation, PTI reported.


"The Health Department is keeping a close watch on the evolving seasonal influenza situation in Assam through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network on a real-time basis," it said.


Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by 4 distinct Types – Influenza A, B, C and D belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. Among which, Type A is the most common pathogen for humans.


As per PTI, district surveillance officers under the IDSP network are fully equipped to meet this public health challenge and in line with the guidelines given by the Centre and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), it added.


"Sufficient stock of test kits, medicines, consumables for diagnosis and case management have been maintained in all health facilities, including medical colleges," the NHM said.


"Globally, influenza cases are typically seen to increase during certain months of the year. India usually witnesses two peaks of seasonal influenza: one from January to March and the other one in post-monsoon season," the NHM said.


The cases arising from seasonal influenza are expected to decline from March-end, the bulletin said.


According to NHM, the transmission is typically airborne, from human to human through large droplets generated by coughing and sneezing. Other modes of transmission are indirect contact by touching a contaminated object or surface and close contact, including handshaking.


While in most cases, the disease is self-limiting with symptoms like cough and cold, body ache and fever, etc. and usually resolves within a week or so.


However, infants, young children, pregnant women, elderly above the age of 65 years and people with comorbidities are within the high-risk group, and they may suffer more symptoms and may require hospitalisation.


The Health Department is focussing on awareness generation for practising hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette by the people.


Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry has prescribed a drug, Oseltamivir, which is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).


"The drug is made available through the Public Health System free of cost. The government has allowed the sale of Oseltamivir under Schedule H1 of the Drug and Cosmetic Act in February 2017 for wider accessibility and availability," it said.