Hire Gowda, an 82-year-old man from Alur taluk in Hassan district died on March 1 due to the virus. The victim was suffering from more than one disease, like diabetes and hypertension.
India reported its first-ever H3N2 death in Karnataka on March 10. The information was revealed to the media by District Health Officer Hassan. Hire Gowda, an 82-year-old man from Alur taluk in Hassan district died on March 1 due to the virus.
Gowda was hospitalized on March 24 due to a cough and cold. The victim was suffering from more than one disease, like diabetes and hypertension. Following his hospitalization, samples were collected and sent by the practitioners to test for H3N2. The test result was reported on March 3 confirming the H3N2 virus, a subtype of influenza A virus, two days after the patient’s death.
The DHO said that surveillance has begun to detect the spread of the virus. He added that as per initial observation, Gowda’s incident is quite remote. No cases have been identified up until now, as he lived in a secluded house, away from other places of residence. However, after detecting his primary and secondary contacts, samples will be gathered from people who show signs of Influenza-like illness and will be dispatched for testing.
Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar requested the public on March 6 to not dread the spread of the H3N2 virus. On account of the outbreak of the infection, the Karnataka health and family welfare department gave an order to the medical staff to control and avert the spread of the ailment.
DHOs are instructed to conduct efficient and systematic observation of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) by collecting samples and sending them for virus detection without fail. A target of 25 tests per week is set by the central government. Karnataka Health Commissioner Randeep D signed a circular commanding the District Health Officer to assure the stock and availability of required medicines and health services.
This year, 20 cases of H1N1, 26 cases of H3N2, 10 cases of influenza B10, and 69 cases of Adeo were identified in the country. Randeep Guleria, chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine Education, expressed that the H3N2 virus is a mutation of the H1N1 virus and its spread is observed every year around the same time. As determined by a scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research, H3N2 will require more treatment than any other subtype.
Haryana has also reported a death due to the H3N2 virus.
What is the H3N2 virus?
The H3N2 virus is a subtype of the Influenza A virus. It causes flu and can infect birds and mammals. An observation has been registered that in birds, pigs, and humans, it has mutated into numerous strains.
The potential sufferers of the disease include children under the age of 15, senior citizens above the age of 65, and pregnant women.
Symptoms
The most common signs are cough, cold and mild covid. Fever, sore throat, runny nose, body pain, headache, and exhaustion are a few symptoms that should not be neglected. Loose stools and vomiting can also indicate the virus sometimes.
How to prevent the virus?
The transmission of the disease can be primarily curbed by maintaining hand hygiene by washing hands frequently. Avoid crowding by keeping a social distance from each other. Prefer wearing masks or covering yourself while sneezing or coughing. Refrain from touching your face, nose, and eyes very often. In addition to these, keep track of the symptoms of the condition to diagnose the infection before long.