Finance
Following the detection of 59 H3N2 cases, the Odisha government has increased its ILI (influenza-like illness) and SARI (severe acute respiratory infections) surveillance system, according to a health official.
“The H3N2 has similar symptoms of cold, cough and fever like Covid-19 and other adenovirus. In view of the prevailing situation, we have strengthened our surveillance system through district-level disease surveillance units to identify H3N2 cases,” said director, health services, Bijay Mohapatra.
“The state has sufficient kits to test Covid-19 virus. If someone found Covid-19 and still having symptoms like cold, cough, fever and sore throat, a sample of such a person will be sent for H3N2 test,” he said.
During January and February 2023, the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC)-Bhubaneswar tested 225 suspected flu samples from various parts of Odisha for H3N2, with 59 samples testing positive for the virus.
However, no death was reported and not a single case has been found to be severe, Mohapatra said.
As per state’s preparedness is concerned, the director said, “We have isolation units at secondary and tertiary level healthcare institutions. We have adequate oxygen beds, ICU beds and required medicine to meet any emergency, if it arises.”
Asked about whether children are more vulnerable to become serious due to the disease, he said, “We are following the advice of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which is yet to give any guideline in this direction.”
If people develop symptoms, Mohapatra, a senior physician, advises them not to take unnecessary medicine without consulting a doctor. According to the official, the symptomatic person should isolate himself and be tested.
He went on to say that the only way to avoid the disease is to practice Covid-appropriate behavior.
Previously, Odisha state health secretary Shalini Pandit directed that all public health labs in 30 districts monitor the trend of ILI and SARI cases in addition to H1N1 and H3N2 surveillance.
The district-level disease surveillance units have been asked to remain ready and to monitor the situation constantly. According to sources, labs have been prepared to handle the surge if it occurs.
Source:OCN
