H3N2 Virus: UP asks officials to be on alert mode

Officials and medical teams are to be on high alert, with 10-bed isolation wards set up in all districts

NEW DELHI | Updated: 15 March, 2023 7:20 pm IST

UP CM Yogi Adityanath will watch The Kerala Story with his Cabinet meeting at a special screening.

Uttar Pradesh is not leaving anything to chance, as it has asked the officials to be on alert mode in all districts, keeping in view the rising H3N2 influenza virus cases across the country.

“The government, along with the health department, must remain in alert mode in all the districts. Daily monitoring of H3N2 patients should be done in every district,” the government said in its notification.

In addition to calling for immediate medical care for those affected, the notification also calls for programmes for community awareness as well as a focus on preventive measures.

“Provide immediate medical care to each patient. People should be made aware of its symptoms and preventive measures,” the notification added.

Along with H3N2, the UP government is also taking measures to monitor any possible rise in cases of H1N1 and COVID. It has asked the state health department to increase COVID testing.

“Covid cases are also increasing. We need to keep a constant watch on the situation, testing should be increased as per requirement,” a health official stated.

Sources told The New Indian that, most probably, nodal officers will be in charge to watch all the districts.

Each of the 75 districts has already formed a team of doctors that includes an epidemiologist, a pathologist, a lab technician, a microbiologist and physicians. Each district will soon have an isolation ward of 10 beds.

The Union Health Ministry issued a letter to states and union territories to keep an eye on the situation regarding the spike in influenza cases, hospital preparedness and community awareness.

“Advisory issued to States to be on the alert and closely monitor the situation. Government of India is working with States & extending support for public health measures to address the situation,” Union Health minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted.

As per government data, a total of 3,038 laboratory confirmed cases of various subtypes of influenza, including H3N2, have been reported by the states until March 9. This includes 1,245 cases in January, 1,307 in February and 486 in March (till March 9).

The Union Health ministry is also strictly monitoring the overall situation. However, the ministry believes that cases will come down by the end of March.

Mostly children were affected by the H3N2 virus and respiratory illness is one of the most common symptoms.