The Union Health Department has raised concerns over the rising COVID positivity rate in some states. The statement came amid a surge of cases of the seasonal H3N2 flu virus.
India recorded 524 new cases of COVID-19 after an interval of 113 days, while active cases rose to 3,618, according to data from the Union Health Ministry updated on Sunday. The death toll from the infection stood at 5,30,781 with one death reconciled by Kerala, according to data updated on Sunday. The overall tally of COVID cases was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,90,492).
Earlier, the Union Health Ministry raised concerns over the rising COVID positivity rate. He said: “While the trajectory of COVID-19 has declined significantly over the past few months, the gradual increase in COVID-19 test positivity rates in some states is a concerning issue that must be addressed quickly.
“There is always a need to remain vigilant and focus on the five-pronged strategy of testing, tracking, treating, vaccinating and adhering to COVID-appropriate behavior,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Saturday. , in a letter to the States and UTs.
This came as India witnesses a surge of seasonal H3N2 flu virus cases. The country reported two deaths from the infection on Friday – one in Karnataka and one in Haryana. H3N2 is a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs and has infected humans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Here are a few new things:
1. Of the 225 samples taken in January and February in Odisha, 59 were found positive for H3N2 flu in the state. The state government therefore asked district authorities to step up monitoring of SG and SARI and suggested citizens maintain personal hygiene and avoid crowded places, a senior official said. PTI as told.
2. Pondicherry has so far reported 79 cases of influenza belonging to the H3N2 virus subtype, a health official said on Saturday. As of March 10, a total of 80 cases of seasonal flu have been reported in Gujarat, of which 77 were H1N1 subtype and three were H3N2 subtype, he told reporters in Gandhinagar.
3. Gujarat has reported three cases of seasonal H3N2 subtype flu this year and no deaths, Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said.
4. Six in 10 children who seek medical attention due to illness have flu-like symptoms, according to rough estimates, News 18 reported.
5. From Jan. 2 to March 5, 451 cases of H3N2 were reported in the country, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry on Friday.
6. The Union Health Department said on Friday it was monitoring the situation closely and that cases were expected to decline from the end of the month. States were also asked to assess the readiness of hospitals, including the availability of medicines, medical oxygen and vaccination coverage against influenza and Covid-19.
7. Experts have warned that children and the elderly are among the most vulnerable to contracting seasonal flu, including the H3N2 virus.
8. People should wear masks and for those with colds and coughs, face coverings with a cloth or tissues are a must, a notice recently said.
9. Enhanced surveillance and precautionary measures are needed to ward off H3N2, but there is no reason to panic yet, experts say as India confirms its first two deaths from the flu virus .
ten. The classic symptoms of this flu are a high fever of acute onset accompanied by body aches, headaches and a runny nose. While the cough increases with resolution of the fever, the illness lasts about eight to 10 days. Occasional stomach upset such as loose movements and vomiting have also been reported in infected people.
(With PTI entries)
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