H3N2 ruled out as cause of death in elderly man, another suspect reported

Nagpur: Influenza A subtype H3N2 infection has been ruled out as the primary cause of an elderly man’s death at a private hospital in the city on March 9. Clinical investigation reports and death summary indicated the deceased (aged 72, and not 78 as per earlier record) had drug-resistant pneumonia, which worsened his existing cardiac issues. Viral pneumonia expression was absent in the patient, officials said.
Public health minister Tanaji Sawant too informed the legislature about the death audit ruling out H3N2 infection in the man's death.
“The man was diabetic, and had hypertension. He died mainly of acute coronary syndrome. He had low immunity and fungal infection in the chest. All these factors led to the mortality. Coincidentally he was found H3N2 positive,” said NMC medical officer Dr Gowardhan Nawkhare.
On March 15, TOI had reported about the comorbidities of the deceased man. He was also a chronic smoker, said doctors. On March 6, the patient complained of breathlessness and was put on ventilator. He was admitted with hypoxia, fever, and cough on March 3 at the private hospital.
The decision was taken following a death audit by health department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Audit panel was led by Dr Narendra Bahirwar and included civil surgeon Dr Nivrutti Rathod, IGGMCH professor Dr Ravindra Khadse, associate professor Dr Pravin Salame, Dr Nawkhare, and Dr Shabnam Khan.
Another suspected H3N2 death of a 35-year-old woman, suffering from rheumatic heart disease, has been reported in Nagpur on Tuesday night.
Deputy director of health services (Nagpur circle) Dr Vinita Jain told TOI that death audit for the woman will be done on Thursday. “Complete clinical information is being gathered. She was a patient of rheumatic heart disease,” Dr Jain said.
The patient passed away at AIIMS Nagpur.
Meanwhile, the NMC issued fresh guidelines, asking all private hospitals to report all suspected patients of H1N1 (swine flu) and H3N2. Hospitals have been asked to facilitate testing of influenza patients and keep isolation wards ready.
The civic body also appealed to citizens to follow hand hygiene, maintain 6 feet distance from flu patients, and use napkin while coughing or sneezing.
The city has recorded 16 confirmed influenza cases, including 13 swine flu, one H3N2, and two having both infections, since January 23.