ABSTRACT
Background:Influenza is an important respiratory infection, causing 250,000 to 500,000 deaths annually. Influenza virus A is the most virulent and associated with winter epidemics in temperate regions, more persistent transmission in the tropics, and occasional large-scale global pandemics. But, there is variability in the pattern, and the H1N1 pandemic of 2009-2010 was unusually with a large spike in spring and a sharp decline continuing throughout winter. Varying in pattern is due to antigenic shift and drift and reassortment of the virus. Methods:A prospective study was carried out in Advance Basic Sciences & Clinical Research Lab, Department of Micro- biology in SMS Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur for diagnosis of Influenza A virus as well as subtyping was done using RT-PCR technique over 1 year period (July 2019 to June 2020) and demographic data was noted. Results:Total of 7213 samples were tested, out of which 498 (6.90%) were positive for Influenza A which is less from the previous year’s 22.46%. Out of total positive cases Influenza a (H1N1) pdm09 was 24.9% and InfA H3N2 was 75.10%. InfA H3N2 was the prominent circulating strain in all months while Influenza a (H1N1) pdm09 was prominent strain pre- vious year. Majority of positive cases were found in March 2020 (43.17%), September 2019 (28.51%). Most of these cases 36.14% were from age group between 20 to 40 years. Conclusions: A decline in the positivity of influenza infection compared to last year is seen which could be in part due to circulation of SARS COV 2 and measures of prevention undertaken by community to prevent it. Demographic parame- ters and seasonal variation of Influenza A virus give ideas to create awareness and to improve control strategies to mini- mize the morbidity, mortality and spread of disease.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Presently world is facing Corona virus disease pandemic. This disease was first identified in Wuhan city of China which spread rapidly to more than 200 countries including India. Rajasthan is a state affected badly with this disease. So this present study was conducted to find out the status of COVID-19 in state and to find out the effects of containment measures taken. Materials and Methods: This record base case series type of study was conducted from reports received of confirmed COVID-19 cases and reported to the IDSP, DMHS from March 2nd 2020 to May 25th 2020, from various reporting units of Rajasthan. Desired information's were collected, compiled and analyzed. Interpretation and Conclusion: There were 7351 laboratory-confirmed case including 4061 recovered cases and 166 deaths. Recovery rate and Case Fatality Rate were found 55.24% and 2.26% respectively. (2.4%) reported. Although patients of all ages were affected with this disease but majority (81.99%) were in 16-60 years of age group. In these positive cases male predominance was also observed with M:F ratio 2.11. Majority of district of Rajasthan were affected with this pandemic having about half of cases in three districts v.i.z. in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur districts. Average Doubling time has increased from 4 days to 18 days as a result of containment measures undertaken in Rajasthan. So these containment measures like social distancing, masking, washing hand frequently etc. Should be taken care of even after lockdown to prevent the COVID-19 infection.