H3N2 cases on the rise in UP; Health department urges people to wear masks

In view of rapidly increasing H3N2 cases, the UP government has ordered medical authorities in several districts to increase vigilance. To this end, various measures are being taken. These include marking dedicated isolation wards and OPDs, as well as implementing and regulating preventive protocols throughout the state. They have also urged citizens to wear masks in public.

The state's health department has issued an alert and as part of the move, a separate nodal officer will be appointed for each district.

Under the state health department's extensive initiatives, a 10-bed isolation ward will be set up in every district hospital. OPDs will also have separate rooms for patients suspected of H3N2 influenza, so that they can be quarantined and prevented from coming in contact with other patients.

Additionally, special vigilance will be in place for children, the elderly and those with serious illnesses.

The decision was made in light of the increasing number of patients displaying symptoms of H3N2. These include influenza-like illness and were reported in districts such as Barabanki, Kanpur, and others. Also, cases of other infectious diseases including Covid-19, influenza and pneumonia are also soaring.

In Kanpur, eight children suffering from pneumonitis were admitted at a public hospital in the past 24 hours. On the other hand, the district of Barabanki is also experiencing a rise in the number of patients showing symptoms of H3N2 influenza.

As a result, patients have been transferred to the Covid ward, which has been established in the CHC, and currently has 230 beds.