H3N2 scare: Maharashtra reports two deaths from suspected influenza; UP on alert mode amid rise

H3N2 outbreak: Maharashtra reported two fatalities suspected to be caused by influenza, officials informed on Wednesday.

According to state Health Minister Tanaji Sawant, one of the deceased was a 74-year-old man who died of the H3N2 sub-type. The other victim was infected by Covid-19 as well as the influenza virus.

He said the state's health machinery has been put on high alert because 361 cases of influenza infections have been reported in the state, and guidelines will be issued within the next two days.

The minister also advised wearing masks in crowded places and social distancing.

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UP on alert mode

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued an advisory and has placed all medical facilities on high alert due to an increase in H3N2 virus cases across the state. 

The state government has issued an advisory alerting the children and the elderly to take appropriate precautions. The health department has issued an alert in 75 districts, and each district has formed a team comprised of a health expert, a physician, an epidemiologist, a pathologist, a lab technician, and a microbiologist.

In each district, a separate nodal officer will be appointed. The state government has also issued guidelines, urging officials to be on the lookout for flu-like cases.

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- PTC NEWS