India: ​Unknown virus claims 64 lives in Indore, Madhya Pradesh - possibly H3N2 Influenza

[Ronan Kelly]

Unknown virus claims 64 lives in Indore, India
The virus has identical symptoms of swine flu

Published: January 28, 2019 14:20
Evangeline Elsa, Community Solutions Editor

​Dubia: An unknown virus has claimed 64 lives in and around the Indian city of Indore in Madhya Pradesh.

As reported by the Indian newspaper, Times of India, the virus has symptoms identical to swine flu.

According to the report, Dr Amit Malakar, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) nodal officer from the Indian National Centre for Disease Control, said: ?There is a common nature of virus found in the samples of these 64 patients. In most cases, it was found that the patient was suffering from cold and cough. The virus attacks the immune system and leads to death.?

The report further states that according to officials, recently instead of H1N1, samples were found H2N3 [sic - should probably be H3N2 - Ro] positive and medicines given to swine flu positive patients were not effective.
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https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/unknown-virus-claims-64-lives-in-indore-india-1.61723902

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://sputniknews.com/asia/201901291071906528-Mysterious-Virus-Swine-Flu-Kills-Dozens-India/


Mystery Virus Believed Similar to Swine Flu Kills Dozens in India
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02:46 29.01.2019(updated 02:48 29.01.2019) Get short URL
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In India?s Madhya Pradesh, a mysterious virus has killed 64 people in the last few months. Its symptoms mirror swine flu, but medication for that disease doesn?t treat those afflicted with this new illness.

Most of the deaths have happened in or around the densely populated metropolis of Indore. Health officials told the Times of India that lab results from those infected have delivered confusing results, with many testing positive for swine flu or dengue fever. However, treatment for swine flu has had no effect on the afflicted, and no common virus has yet been found between the 223 samples.

IDSP nodal officer Dr. Asha Pandit credited the unusually cold weather in Indore for the changing nature of the virus. "Current weather conditions are conducive for H1N1 virus, as the day and night temperature is fluctuating frequently," Pandit said. "People should take special care of pregnant women and children, as they possess low immunity."

"Every year swine flu virus changes its genes, which are identified by the health department, and accordingly, antiviral medicines are updated," Malakar said...