India’s Maharashtra reports 2 deaths due to H3N2 flu virus

NEW DELHI, March 15– India’s western state of Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded two deaths related to Influenza A H3N2 virus, officials said. “One patient is a medical student from Ahmednagar district while another is a senior citizen from Nagpur,” Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant told the media. Last week the federal Health Ministry said Karnataka and…

NEW DELHI, March 15 (Xinhua) — India’s western state of Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded two deaths related to Influenza A H3N2 virus, officials said.

“One patient is a medical student from Ahmednagar district while another is a senior citizen from Nagpur,” Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant told the media. “Both patients were also diagnosed with multiple other diseases.”

Following the confirmation of the two deaths, the local government alerted the health administration and hospitals across the state.

So far over 350 patients have tested positive for the H3N2 virus in the state.

There has been a surge in flu cases across many parts of India and patients are complaining of prolonged illness, cough, fever and respiratory problems.

The health ministry said it was keeping a close watch on the seasonal flu situation in various states through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network on a real-time basis.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also issued an advisory on precautions for the prevention of seasonal flu.

Last week the federal Health Ministry said Karnataka and Haryana have confirmed one death each from H3N2 influenza. Enditem