Guwahati: India announced its first H3N2 infection-related fatality in Karnataka on Friday.
According to reports, an 82-year-old man from Hassan passed away on March 1 as a result of the infection, a state health department official stated.
The deceased, identified as Hire Gowda, was diabetic and had hypertension, according to the Hassan District Health Officer.
Press Trust of India reported, citing sources, that another death had been reported from Haryana.
“He suffered from fever, cough and sore throat and had symptoms of influenza-like illness. He was admitted to the HIMS on February 24,” a health officer said.
A warning has been issued by the Karnataka government in response to the country’s increasing H3N2 influenza (flu) outbreaks. The state government stated that stronger prevention and control measures are required in light of the rise in seasonal flu incidence.
“Seasonal Flu being a contagious disease can spread from person to person through droplets from an affected person’s cough or sneeze or through contact of droplets on hands and surfaces. This self-limiting infection lasts for about 5-7 days with minimal morbidity and mortality,” the state government said.
H3N2 is the influenza subtype that causes the most hospitalisations, according to the leading health research organisation.
Via its network of Virus Research and Diagnostic Labs (VRDLs) spread out across the nation, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) keeps a close eye on disorders brought on by respiratory viruses.
According to ICMR, 92% of hospitalized H3N2 patients had fever, 86% had cough, 27% had shortness of breath, 16% had wheezing. Additionally, ICMR surveillance found that 16% of such patients had pneumonia and 6% had seizures. While, 10% of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) patients who have H3N2 needed oxygen and 7% required ICU care.