India has seen a huge increase in cases and deaths from Influenza A (H1N1) through Aug 2017 compared to last year, according to data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Through Aug 27, India has reported 25,864 H1N1 cases from 32 of 36 states and 1,260 fatalities. This compares 1786 cases/265 deaths during the same period in 2016.
States reporting the most cases include Maharashtra (4456), Gujarat (4431), Tamil Nadu (3045) and Karnataka (3012). Maharashtra (467) and Gujarat (354) have accounted 65 percent of the deaths so far.
LISTEN: Saudi Arabia, the Hajj and the challenges in the prevention and control of infectious diseases
Both the World Health Organisation and the India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recommend vaccination as the most effective tool against H1N1 virus infections. Other standard measures to control the spread of infection include creating awareness about symptoms, early diagnosis and early treatment of the disease.
Related:
- India: Top infectious disease concerns in world’s second most populous country
- India launches measles-rubella vaccination campaign: 410 million children targeted
- Vaccination is the most cost-effective way to reduce rabies deaths in India: Study
- India accounts for 60 percent of world’s leprosy cases
- Chikungunya and dengue: India Health Ministry meets to review preparedness
- India: Two dozen typhoid cases reported in Krishna district, Vijayawada
- High levels of antibiotic-resistance in Indian poultry farming raises concerns
- India: Two diphtheria cases confirmed in Kochi
