Finance
According to Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Director of the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, 59 cases of H3N2 influenza were detected in the state out of 225 samples collected in January and February.
During January and February, 225 suspected flu samples from various parts of the state were tested for H3N2 at the RMRC-Bhubaneswar, with 59 samples testing positive for H3N2, one influenza- and one Covid-19, according to Dr Pati.
However, she stated that the suspected sample did not contain a single case of H1N1 flu (swine flu).
Dr. Pati stated that the detection has been communicated to relevant healthcare institutions and public health officials. She did, however, add that there is no need to panic.
Over 3,000 laboratory-confirmed H3N2 influenza cases have been reported across the country thus far.
In light of the rising trend in other Influenza-like illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ILIs/SARIs) across the country, as well as a slight increase in the Covid-19 positive rate, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan today directed all states and Union Territories to closely monitor the trend while ensuring adequate stock of drugs, medical equipment, and medical oxygen in hospitals.
Bhushan has also advised the state government to ensure Covid-19 and influenza vaccination coverage.
While influenza is an annual seasonal occurrence, a variety of weather conditions and behavioral reasons (such as less than adequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without adequate protection in close proximity to other people, closed indoor gatherings of people, etc.) make the environment conducive to the circulation of a number of viral respiratory pathogens such as Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, etc.), Adenoviruses, and others, according to Bhushan.
He noted that, according to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), an increasing trend of ILI/SARI is being observed across the country, as reported by States/UTs. Furthermore, an increase in Influenza A has been observed since the latter half of December 2022, according to integrated sentinel-based surveillance of ILI and SARI.
The prevalence of Influenza A (H3N2) detected in samples analyzed in various labs is of particular concern. It should also be noted that young children, the elderly, and people with co-morbidities are particularly vulnerable to H1N1, H3N2, and other viruses, he added.
While the COVID-19 trajectory has decreased significantly in recent months, the gradual rise in COVID-19 test positivity rates in some states is a concern that must be addressed immediately, according to the Union Health Secretary.
Despite the low number of new cases, hospitalizations, and significant advances in COVID-19 vaccination coverage, there is still a need to remain vigilant and focus on the fivefold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour, he added.
While most of these agents cause a similar mild and often self-limiting illness manifesting as an acute respiratory infection with fever and cough, in some cases, particularly in the elderly, people with obesity and other co-morbidities (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic renal and liver disease, and so on), as well as pregnant females, these diseases may manifest more severely, necessitating hospitalization.
He stated that in order to limit the spread of these diseases, it is critical to raise community awareness about respiratory and hand hygiene (such as covering one’s mouth and nose with a tissue/elbow when coughing or sneezing, avoiding spitting in public places, preferably using a mask in crowded environments, frequent hand washing, and so on), as well as encouraging early reporting of symptoms, and limiting contact of those people who are suffering from respiratory illness.
In the letter, the Union Health Secretary advised the states and union territories to assess hospital preparedness, including drugs, medical equipment, medical oxygen, and so on, as well as human resource capacity building based on existing guidelines and vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza.
