Rising cases of cough and fever linked to Influenza subtype A H3N2: ICMR

Rising cases of intense cough lasting for over a week coupled with fever, observed in most parts of the country, can be linked to Influenza A H3N2, a subtype of a virus that causes flu, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Saturday.

The ICMR has 30 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) for respiratory virus surveillance.

These VRDLs are attached to the top medical colleges in different States and gather samples from patients suffering from severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).

In its observations, the ICMR noted that about half of all patients admitted with SARI and patients walking in to clinics were found to be afflicted with Influenza A H3N2.

At least 92% of the hospitalised SARI patients detected with the virus were showing up with fever and upto 86% have cough.

Additionally, 27% progressed to breathlessness and 16% showed wheezing symptoms. 

Also, 16% had signs of pneumonia and 6% presented with seizures, the ICMR has stated.

The agency has also said that the virus appeared to lead to more hospitalisations than other Influenza subtypes.