Bhubaneswar: As many as 59 cases of H3N2 Influenza have been detected in the State out of the 225 samples collected during January and February, according to Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, Director Dr Sanghamitra Pati.
A total of 225 suspected flu samples from different parts of the State were tested for H3N2 at the RMRC-Bhubaneswar during January and February, of which, 59 samples were found positive for H3N2, one influenza- and one Covid-19, Dr Pati said.
However, not a single case of H1N1 flu (swine flu) was detected from the suspected sample, she said.
Dr Pati said that concerned healthcare institutions and public health officials have been informed about the detection. She, however, added that there is no reason to panic.
So far, over 3,000 laboratory-confirmed H3N2 influenza cases have been reported from across the country.
In light of the rising trend in other Influenza Like Illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ILIs/SARIs) being witnessed in some States/UTs across the country and a slight uptick 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, medical oxygen in the hospitals.
Bhushan has also advised the state government to ensure vaccination coverage against Covid-19 and influenza.
While Influenza is an annual seasonal occurrence, in the present season, a variety of weather conditions and behavioural reasons (like less than adequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without adequate protection in close proximity of other people, closed indoor gatherings of people, etc.) make the environment conducive to the circulation of a number of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2 etc.), Adenoviruses, etc, Bhushan said in the letter.
He pointed out that under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), as reported by States/UTs, an increasing trend of ILI/SARI is being observed across the country. Further, as per integrated sentinel-based surveillance of ILI & SARI, an upswing of Influenza A is observed since the latter half of December 2022.
Of particular concern is the preponderance of Influenza A (H3N2) being detected in the samples being analysed in various labs. It should also be kept in mind that young children, old age people and people suffering from co-morbidities are particularly at risk and vulnerable to H1N1, H3N2, Adenoviruses, etc, he added.
Union Health Secretary has said that while the COVID-19 trajectory has decreased substantially in the last few months, the gradual rise in COVID-19 test positivity rates in some States is a concerning issue that needs to be promptly addressed.
Despite the low number of new cases, equally low number of hospitalisations and significant advances made in terms of 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 typically cause a similar mild and often self-limiting illness manifesting acute respiratory infection with fever and cough, in some cases, particularly old age people, people with obesity and other co-morbidities (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic renal and liver disease etc.), as well as pregnant females may suffer from a more severe manifestation of these diseases requiring hospitalisation, Bhushan cautioned.
He said that in order to limit transmission of these diseases, it is important to raise community awareness regarding adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene (like covering one’s mouth and nose with a tissue/elbow when coughing or sneezing, avoiding spitting in public places, preferably use of mask in crowded environments, frequent hand wash etc.), promoting early reporting of symptoms, and limiting contact of those people who are suffering from respiratory illness.
The Union Health Secretary has advised the states and Union Territories in the letter to take stock of hospital preparedness including drugs, medical equipment, medical oxygen, etc., capacity building of human resource on existing guidelines as well as vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and Influenza.
