Surge in H1N1 cases in state sparks concern, 1 in a day from Aug-Oct

Bhopal: Health officials in MP are closely monitoring a surge in H1N1 influenza cases -- 155 infections have been detected and at least one death reported till Oct, while there were no cases at all last year, as per Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) submitted to the ministry of health.The lone fatality occurred in Indore, a senior health department official said.According to IDSP statistics, there has been an increase in seasonal influenza A (H1N1) infections. Between Aug and Oct, MP IDSP reported one fresh H1N1 case on average daily, totalling 66 instances of infection. In the same two months, there were 5,425 cases and 85 deaths in India."H1N1 (swine flu) cases typically occur during monsoon and winter. The disease exhibits a pattern of increased cases approximately every four years. Currently, patients are experiencing extended periods of seasonal symptoms (cough, cold and respiratory difficulties). There is no cause for alarm. Those in high-risk categories, such as the elderly, expectant mothers, or individuals with persistent seasonal illnesses, ought to consult healthcare professionals," explained Dr Lokendra Dave, professor of respiratory medicine at Gandhi Medical College (GMC). Medical facilities in major cities like Bhopal and Indore have strengthened their screening protocols. Hospitals have dedicated isolation wards ready to handle suspected H1N1 cases. Health authorities are advising people to wear masks in crowded places and maintain proper hand hygiene.In Madhya Pradesh, the most significant surge in H1N1 infections occurred in 2019, with 165 fatalities among 720 diagnosed patients. The state documented 20 H1N1 cases in 2020, two cases in 2021, and 53 in 2022. IDSP recorded no H1N1 cases in 2023. And this year, there is a surge.According to a GMC official, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is being prescribed to OPD patients at the hospital. A similar track was followed during previous outbreaks.
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