Single-Day Spike Of 524 COVID Cases In India

This came as India is witnessing a wave of seasonal influenza subtype H3N2 with two deaths due to this infection being reported on Friday – one each in Karnataka and Haryana.

In a letter to states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said operational guidelines for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens presenting as cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) need to be followed. The states have also been requested to take a stock of hospital preparedness such as availability of drugs and medical oxygen, vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza.

Despite low number of new cases, equally low number of hospitalisations and significant advances made in terms of COVID-19 vaccination coverage, Bhushan said, there is a need to remain vigilant and focus on the five-fold strategy of test, track, treat, vaccination and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour.

At least 59 cases of H3N2 influenza have been detected in Odisha in last two months, Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC)-Bhubaneswar Director Sanghamitra Pati informed on Saturday. The H3N2 influenza has symptoms similar to COVID-19, like fever, cough and chest pain. Some patients may face respiratory complications, experts said.