The data released by the Maharashtra government on Saturday showed that the state reported 10,89,555 suspected influenza cases in 2023 (From January 1 to August 31). According to the data, the Maharashtra has reported 845 H1N1 cases and 1,648 H3N2 so far this year.

In the past three months (from June to August) Maharashtra saw a rise in H3N2 cases by reporting 1,130 cases compared to 518 cases reported till May 2023 this year.

The data release also showed that the number of H1N1 cases deceased in the past three months from June onwards. Maharashtra reported 308 cases from June to August this year as compared to 537 cases from January to May this year. 

Among the suspected cases, 7,676 suspected flu patients were given oseltamivir — an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A viruses that cause the flu.

Over all 14 deaths have been reported so far this year – 8 deaths due to H1N1 and 6 due to H3N2.

Influenza disease is caused due to viral infection. Influenza A has various subtype like H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2, to name a few. According to the state health department, symptoms of Influenza include – Fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, Pneumonia, to name a few.

“Influenza patient’s surveillance is primarily symptomatic and all suspected influenza patients are examined and treated symptomatically at all government health institutes,” the state govt release said.

As a preventive measure, the state government conducted refresher training on March 17, 2023.

The Maharashtra state government issued guidelines for surveillance, prevention measures and treatment on March 6, 2023.

“State govt has instructed to all districts for compulsory medical death audit of influenza deaths,” said the release further.

“Influenza-like illness cases are treated on the basis of their category and isolation ward has been established in all Government hospitals and Government Medical Colleges in the state,” the release added.

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