59 H3N2 Influenza Positives in Odisha

Bhubaneswar:As many as 59 cases of H3N2 Influenza have been detected in the State out of the 225 samples collected last January and February, according to Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar Director Dr Sanghamitra Pati. Pati has, however, stated that there is no reason to panic. In light of the rising trend in other Influenza Like Illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ILIs/SARIs) being witnessed in some States/UTs across the country and a slight uptick in the Covid-19 positive rate, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan today directed all states and Union Territories to closely monitor the trend while ensuring adequate stock of drugs, medical equipment, medical oxygen in the hospitals. Bhushan has also advised the state government to ensure vaccination coverage against Covid-19 and influenza. While Influenza is an annual seasonal occurrence, in the present season, a variety of weather conditions and behavioural reasons (like less than adequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without adequate protection in close proximity of other people, closed indoor gatherings of people, etc.) make the environment conducive to the circulation of a number of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2 etc.), Adenoviruses, etc, Bhushan said in the letter. He pointed out that under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), as reported by States/UTs, an increasing trend of ILI/SARI is being observed across the country. Further, as per integrated sentinel-based surveillance of ILI & SARI, an upswing of Influenza A is observed since the latter half of December 2022.

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