Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 24, 2024 3 weeks, 8 hours, 29 minutes ago
Medical News: Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, has been thrust into the spotlight due to a sudden and severe outbreak of swine flu, raising concerns about the possible introduction of the G4 EA H1N1 swine flu strain in the region.
Has the G4 EA H1N1 swine flu strain debuted in Chhattisgarh, India?
Over the past two weeks, the state has witnessed a surge in H1N1 cases, with 42 confirmed severe infections and six reported deaths, including a tragic fatality involving a four-year-old girl. The situation is particularly dire in the district of Bilaspur, which has emerged as the epicenter of this outbreak.
There are possibly hundred of cases in the state right now but most have yet to be tested to validate if H1N1 is the cause.
Swine Flu Outbreak in Chhattisgarh: The Current Scenario
The sudden spike in swine flu cases in Chhattisgarh has prompted health authorities to intensify screenings and heighten vigilance across the state. Bilaspur district, in particular, has been severely affected, accounting for the highest number of cases - 14 out of the 42 confirmed. The death toll has also been alarming, with six individuals succumbing to the virus, including residents from Manendragarh and Rajnandgaon districts.
Among the deceased are a 41-year-old man from Manendragarh and a 37-year-old man from Rajnandgaon. Both individuals were undergoing treatment at private hospitals before their conditions deteriorated. One was initially suffering from cold and fever but was later referred to Apollo Hospital when his condition worsened. The other was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, which ultimately led to his demise. Their cases of rapid deterioration and deaths is what is raising alarms among local doctors that a possible new influenza strain is at play.
The most of the infected in the state which are in the hundereds but not tested yet and confirmed to be having flu, tend to be displaying rather chronic conditions.
Indian authorities have so far confirmed the 42 infections as being swine flu H1N1 infections but have stopped short of disclosing what specific strain is at play.
There are some speculations among local doctors that the strain could be that of the G4 EA H1N1 Swine Flu Strain.
State Epidemic Controller, Dr Dharmendra Gawayi, provided an update on the current situation, stating, "Chhattisgarh currently has 42 confirmed H1N1 cases, with the highest concentration in Bilaspur. Other affected districts include Raipur with 10 cases, Durg with six, Korba with three, and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur with two cases each. All these patients are under surveillance, and their conditions are being closely monitored."
Strangely, there has been not much mainstream news or
Medical News coverages on this outbreak in India so far which begets the questions are state and federal officials once again trying to conceal an outbreak that is considered a threat to public health?
Following this alarming increase in cases, the state's health authorities have issued
alerts and ramped up screenings to prevent further spread. Travel histories of the patients are being meticulously examined, and family members of the infected are being advised to quarantine and undergo testing. However, the similarity in symptoms between H1N1 and COVID-19 has led to hesitation among some individuals in getting tested.
Understanding the G4 EA H1N1 Swine Flu Strain
The ongoing outbreak in Chhattisgarh has led to speculation about the potential emergence of the G4 EA H1N1 swine flu strain in the region. The G4 virus, a swine influenza strain, was first discovered in China and is considered a variant genotype 4 (G4) Eurasian avian-like (EA) H1N1 virus. Although it primarily affects pigs, there is evidence suggesting that it can infect humans.
A 2020 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) raised concerns about the G4 EA H1N1 virus, stating that it possesses "all the essential hallmarks of being highly adapted to infect humans." The study emphasized the need for stringent surveillance of this strain, particularly in populations working closely with swine.
https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1921186117
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) echoed these concerns, noting that human infection by the G4 virus may be more common than previously thought.
Both the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the US CDC have identified the G4 virus as a variant with pandemic potential, necessitating close monitoring. Health officials have highlighted the importance of surveillance, particularly among those in close contact with pigs. However, they have warned that G4’s pandemic potential cannot be ignored.
The Path Forward: Vigilance and Preparedness
As Chhattisgarh grapples with the ongoing swine flu outbreak, the possibility of the G4 EA H1N1 strain being involved adds a layer of complexity to the situation. The state's health authorities must remain vigilant, ensuring that adequate measures are in place to control the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
In the meantime, residents are urged to stay informed about the symptoms of swine flu, which include high fever, cold, sore throat, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Those experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.
While the current outbreak is a cause for concern, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness in the face of emerging infectious diseases. Continued surveillance, timely intervention, and public awareness will be crucial in mitigating the impact of this outbreak and preventing future pandemics.
For more updates on the H1N1 Swine Flu outbreak in India, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/alarming-rise-in-chandipura-virus-deaths-in-gujarat-experts-warn-of-catastrophic-underreporting-across-india
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/india-downplays-covid-19-threat-despite-several-states-crossing-5-percent-positivity-rate
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