H3N2 Cases in Gujarat:After Kovid in the country, the influenza virus H3N2 is spreading rapidly in the country. While briefing the media on the rising cases of H3N2 in Gujarat, Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel said that till March 10, three cases of H3N2 and 77 cases of H1N1 have been reported in the state. He said that one death in the state was due to H1N1 virus.
Meanwhile, Union Health Secretary Bhushan has written a letter to every state and union territory about the influenza virus. He expressed concern over the increase in diseases caused by this virus and severe acute respiratory illness.
He wrote in the letter that it is necessary to raise community awareness about the observance of respiratory and hand hygiene and promote early detection of symptoms. Along with this it is important to limit the contact to those people who are suffering from respiratory diseases. He said that special care should be taken in case of children, elderly people and people suffering from co-morbidities who are especially sensitive to H1N1, H3N2, adenoviruses.
On Friday, the central government held a review meeting regarding H3N2. In which strict monitoring of H3N2 virus and guidelines on H3N2 viral virus were issued. The statement also said that cases of seasonal influenza may come down by the end of March.
