At least 9 people have died due to the H3N2 influenza virus across the country. The latest case is a 73-year-old man who died in Pune on friday. A woman, 55, and an 11-month-old baby girl tested positive for the virus.
More than 200 cases across india at the end of february, which rose to 618 as of March 16. A total of 3038 laboratory confirmed cases of various subtypes of Influenza including H3N2 have been reported till 9 March 2023.
India is witnessing a surge in H3N2 influenza cases, a respiratory tract infection caused by four distinct types of viruses (A, B, C, and D) the state governments have started taking precautionary measures to prevent the possible outbreak of viral infections.
People have been complaining of flu-like symptoms after getting infected with the virus. The CDC says that influenza viruses including the H3N2 variant can lead to some severe diseases even in healthy people.
A total of 3,038 cases of various subtypes of influenza have been reported till March 9 by the states. This includes 1,245 cases in January; 1,307 in February and 486 cases till march 9. The data, however, reports a combination of respiratory ranging from Covid-19 virus, swine flu (H1N1), H3N2 and the seasonal Victoria and Yamagata lineages of influenza B viruses, as responsible.
Influenza A sub-type H3N2 has claimed two lives in india, one in Karnataka and Haryana. It is better for people experiencing fever, cough or respiratory distress to consult a doctor. The flu variant does not lead to a pandemic but taking precautions will certainly help.
India recorded its first two deaths from 'seasonal influenza' subtype- H3N2 virus. A 56 year old lung cancer patient also died in Haryana. The health department confirmed that the patient has tested positive for the virus in January.
