H3N2 deaths in India: Center keeping a close watch on ‘seasonal influenza’

Seasonal influenza cases are expected to decline by the end of March, the department said in a recent release. But it is keeping a close watch on the morbidity, mortality due to H3N2 subtype.

According to official sources, two deaths due to Influenza A subtype H3N2 have been reported in India, one each in Karnataka and Haryana. In the last three months, 90 cases of H3N2 have been reported.

An 82-year-old diabetic and hypertensive patient, Hire Gowda, died due to the virus on March 1 in Karnataka, where a sample confirmed the infection on March 6.

The second death occurred in Haryana. A 56-year-old man from Haryana, a lung cancer patient who died recently, had tested positive for H3N2 virus, a health department official said on Friday.

“As per preliminary information, the patient, a 56-year-old male resident of Jind district who died at home on 08-02-23, was a lung cancer patient. He had tested positive for H3N2 virus at PGIMS Hospital, Rohtak in January. did,” the officer said.

Influenza A subtype H3N2 is a serious flu virus that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children.

It is important for people to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Those experiencing flu-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.