Rising Concerns: Covid-19 and H3N2 Cases Surge in India

The central government has voiced apprehension regarding a gradual uptick in Covid-19 positivity rates across certain states, coinciding with an increase in cases of the seasonal influenza subtype H3N2.

Covid-19 Situation:

According to the latest report from the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday, India witnessed a surge of 402 new coronavirus cases, with the tally of active cases climbing to 3,903. The ministry’s data, updated at 8 am, also revealed two new fatalities from the virus, one each reported in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. The nation’s cumulative death toll due to Covid-19 now stands at 5,30,784.

The health department highlighted that Maharashtra reported 155 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, more than double the count from the previous day, bringing the total caseload to 81,38,653. Additionally, two patients succumbed to the infection in the state.

Maharashtra, Kerala, Delhi, Telangana, and Gujarat are among the states witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases.

Despite the overall Covid-19 test positivity rate in the country remaining at 0.5%, certain districts and states have observed a rise in positivity rates.

H3N2 Influenza Concerns:

Concurrently, cases of H3N2 influenza are on the rise in India, raising concerns of potential confusion with Covid-19. However, doctors and health experts have clarified that this outbreak is typical. They explained that the absence of influenza exposure among children due to Covid-induced lockdowns over the past two years has contributed to the current surge.

Doctors have observed that the influenza surge in India is more aggressive and prolonged than usual, with symptoms such as cough and congestion lasting up to three weeks, compared to the typical five to seven days for seasonal fever and cough.

At least three deaths related to H3N2 have been reported in India this season. H3N2 has been associated with some of the severest flu seasons, characterized by prolonged and severe illnesses resulting in increased hospitalizations and fatalities.

Out of the last five severe influenza seasons, H3N2 has been the culprit for three, including the ongoing outbreak in India. According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, India has recorded nearly 600 influenza cases, with 451 classified as H3N2.

Haryana, Karnataka, and Gujarat have reported associated deaths, including those of an 82-year-old with comorbidities and a 52-year-old with liver cancer.

As per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, 6% of hospitalized patients exhibited clinical signs of pneumonia and seizures, while 7% developed severe diseases requiring Intensive Care Unit attention, and 10% needed supplemental oxygen. Details regarding the most recent death recorded in Gujarat on March 14, 2023, are yet to be disclosed.

To address the situation, the Centre has urged all states and union territories to adhere to operational guidelines for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens presenting as cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI).

Furthermore, the centre has called upon states to assess their hospital preparedness, including the availability of drugs and medical oxygen, and evaluate vaccination coverage against Covid-19 and influenza.