New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday (March 10) held a meeting to review the status of rising cases of H3N2 Influenza virus in the country. In the meeting, the ministry issued an advisory to the states and union territories to remain vigilant and closely monitor the situation of the viral disease.
The Union Health Ministry has also launched an integrated network to monitor the spread of seasonal influenza in the country. The Ministry is also monitoring and closely monitoring the morbidity and mortality due to H3N2 subtype of seasonal influenza.
According to a press release issued by the ministry, children and elderly people with co-morbidities are at risk of H3N2 Influenza virus infection. “Young children and the elderly with co-morbidities are the most vulnerable groups in the context of seasonal influenza,” the ministry said.
As per the latest data released by the Ministry, a total of 3038 cases of different subtypes of Influenza including H3N2 have been confirmed by the States till 9th March 2023. This includes 1245 cases in January, 1307 in February and 486 in March (till March 9).
Seasonal influenza cases to come down from end of March
According to the Ministry of Health, seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection and every year India sees two peaks of seasonal influenza: one from January to March and the other during the post-monsoon season. The ministry also said that cases arising from seasonal influenza are expected to decline from the end of March.
Deaths due to seasonal influenza
Meanwhile, India has recorded its first two deaths due to seasonal influenza subtype H3N2, one each each from Karnataka and Haryana, the Union health ministry said on Friday, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation and increasing the number of cases from the end of the month. is expected to decrease.