Punjab, Kerala, Gujarat reported most of the H1N1 deaths, says NCDC

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CategoryHealth

Last Updated27/08/2024

With over 9,000 H1N1 cases, India has registered 178 deaths by influenza A or H1N1, also known as swine flu, till the end of July in 2024

India is witnessing a worrying resurgence of Influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, with significant increases in both cases and fatalities.
According to the latest data from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Punjab, Kerala, and Gujarat have reported the highest number of deaths due to H1N1, with 41, 34, and 28 fatalities, respectively.
By the end of July 2024, over 9,000 H1N1 cases had been recorded across the country, resulting in 178 deaths.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by the H1N1 subtype of the Influenza A virus. The virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract but can also infect the lower respiratory tract, leading to severe complications.
The virus spreads through airborne droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or even talking and can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces.
India's encounter with swine flu began in May 2009 when the first confirmed case was reported. Since then, the country has seen periodic surges in H1N1 cases, with a significant spike in 2022, when 13,202 cases and 410 deaths were recorded.
The pattern of infection continued in subsequent years, with 8,125 cases and 129 deaths in 2023.

Given the recurring outbreaks of H1N1, the Central government has intensified its efforts to monitor zoonotic diseases across the country. Zoonoses, which are infectious diseases that can transfer between animals and humans, pose a significant public health challenge.
In addition to H1N1, other zoonotic diseases monitored by the government include rabies, anthrax, Nipah virus, COVID-19, brucellosis, and tuberculosis.
A senior official from the Health Ministry emphasized that the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases like H1N1 require a multifaceted approach.

Vaccination: Immunization against H1N1 is crucial in reducing the incidence and severity of the disease, particularly among high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Proper hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces, are essential in preventing the spread of the virus.
Animal Husbandry Practices: Ensuring healthy livestock management and monitoring animal health can reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases spilling over to human populations.
Vector Control: Controlling the vectors, such as mosquitoes and other insects, that transmit zoonotic pathogens is vital in reducing the spread of these diseases.

The significant number of H1N1 cases and fatalities in Punjab, Kerala, and Gujarat highlights the need for targeted interventions in these states. The high number of cases reported in Delhi, Gujarat, and Kerala suggests that urban centers with dense populations may be particularly vulnerable to outbreaks.
The government's focus on zoonotic diseases, including H1N1, reflects a broader strategy to enhance public health infrastructure and response mechanisms.
However, the ongoing challenge is to ensure timely vaccination, public awareness, and effective disease surveillance to prevent future outbreaks.