Health Department to undertake clinical audit of H3N2 cases in urban areas

BENGALURU: Following the state’s first confirmed death due to the H3N2 virus, the Health Department has decided to conduct a clinical audit on patients from vulnerable groups admitted in hospitals and the precautions that need to be taken.

A 78-year-old man from Alur taluk in Karnataka and another person in Haryana are the first two confirmed cases of H3N2 deaths in the country. The Karnataka victim was suffering from hypertension and was diabetic.

Health Commissioner Dr Randeep D said, “The department decided to pay more attention in the city corporation limits. So far, we have recorded 26 influenza A infections. There were 10 H1N1 and 16 H3N2 cases detected in January. We will get audit numbers through Primary Health Centres in the BBMP area. We will collect details of all hospitalised patiens in government general hospitals as well as district hospitals and taluk hospitals. The department will do an audit on the condition of those aged 50 and above and place it it before the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) which will suggest precautionary measures”.

Health Commissioner Commissioner Randeep D.

He said, based on the audit report, required precautionary measures will be taken. “We are paying attention to Covid ICU admissions and people with symptoms of other casual virus admissions in hospital. More cases are being reported from Bengaluru urban area and other local medical colleges”, Dr Randeep said.

“As many as 80 to 100 cases have been detected in the last two-three days in Bengaluru of which around 50 per cent are Adeno virus cases. “Hence, we have issued instructions for a clinical audit at health centres. H3N2 is curable through symptomatic treatment, but people with comorbidities should be careful. We are keeping a close watch on the situation”, he added

Dr Pavan, Professor in Medicine, said if comorbid patients have prolonged viral fever, cold, cough, they should consult a doctor.

Dr Pavan, Professor in Medicine, said, “The influenza virus symptoms are similar to viral fever, but it is affecting many people. It may affect the lungs and cause a drop in oxygen saturation level. It will specially affect people with comorbidities, those who have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease problems, COPD, asthma, tuberculosis (TB) patients, interstitial diseases. Those infected by Covid-19 last year are specially vulnerable and must take careful about their health. Comorbid patients or vulnerable groups, who are suffering from prolonged fever, cough, cold should be consult doctors immediately. Otherwise it will pose a danger to their lives”.