The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is expanding its door-to-door survey in order to detect H3N2 influenza cases. Between January and March 15, Mumbai had 118 influenza cases. With the number of cases increasing, the BMC is conducting house-to-house surveys to identify fever patients and people who may be at risk of contracting the virus but have not sought medical attention.
19 cases were recorded in January, 46 in February and 53 in March. India has so far recorded seven deaths from the H3N2 virus. Currently, 32 influenza patients have been admitted to hospitals across the city – four H3N2 cases and 28 H1N1 cases. All the patients are in a stable condition.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The BMC released a statement saying Influenza is a sporadic viral illness which spreads through the air. Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, throat irritation, body ache , headache, diarrhea, vomiting, said the civic body. It added that these symptoms usually subside after treatment and there is no need to investigate them.
However, if a patient belongs to a high risk group or if the person develops additional symptoms, there is a need for investigation and hospitalization.