Mumbai: 4 infected with H3N2 virus hospitalised, BMC issues list of high-risk areas

Measures taken by BMC to curb the spread of influenza include:

• Treatment of all suspected cases with Oseltamivir if the fever is not decreasing within 24 hours.
• Oseltamivir has been made freely available at all municipal hospitals, dispensaries, medical colleges and maternity homes in Mumbai
• Daily house to house survey to identify fever patients and people who are possibly exposed to risk.
• Health awareness activities are conducted in the community with help of posters, health talks and short movies.

On Wednesday, Maharashtra health minister Tanaji Sawant had informed the state Assembly that 352 patients in the state have been diagnosed with the H3N2 virus so far.

“H3N2 is not fatal. It can be cured through proper medical treatment. There is no need to panic,” he had said. He also said that two persons had died due to influenza, including a 23-year-old first-year student of MBBS in Ahmednagar, who tested positive for Covid-19 as well as H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. Another victim is a 74-year-old man from Nagpur, who died of H3N2.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde chaired a meeting to review the health department’s preparedness to tackle H3N2, an official release said. “If treated early, influenza can be cured. This should be known to everyone,” he was quoted as saying.

Shinde further directed authorities to ensure that the ongoing strike of government employees for the Old Pension Scheme does not impact the treatment of patients at government hospitals. He added that the private medical sector should be roped in if needed.