Karnataka Reports First H3N2 Variant Death

Karnataka witnessed its first death from the H3N2 variant with the passing of an 85-year-old man in Hassan.

Incident Details

The elderly man, hailing from Alur in Hassan, succumbed to the virus on March 1, marking the state’s inaugural death attributed to the H3N2 strain.

Commissioner of the Health Department, D. Randeep, directed an investigation into the death, confirming the H3N2 variant as the cause on Friday.

Symptoms and Response

The deceased exhibited symptoms including fever, chills, cough, and sore throat, prompting health officials to take swift action.

Teams from the health department initiated medical tests in Alur and surrounding areas, collecting swab samples from individuals displaying symptoms for further examination.

Prevention Measures

The department issued directives to monitor individuals with underlying health conditions and those aged 60 and above. Public awareness campaigns emphasized the importance of avoiding self-medication in case of symptoms.

Statewide Impact

More than 50 cases of H3N2 have surfaced across Karnataka, with six confirmed cases reported solely in Hassan district. In response, the state government convened a high-level meeting and issued comprehensive guidelines.

Health Minister’s Statement

Health Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar cautioned that children under 15 years and individuals over 60 years face heightened risks from the H3N2 variant. Pregnant women were also advised to exercise caution, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.