Mortality from Influenza A/H1N1 in a tertiary care teaching institution in North India

Authors

  • Vishal Sharma University College of Medical Sciences
  • Pushpendra Kumar Verma University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi
  • Sushan Gupta University College of Medical Sciences
  • Alka Sharma University College of Medical Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.1007

Keywords:

H1N1, mortality, India,

Abstract

Background: The recent influenza A/H1N1 pandemic has caused considerable morbidity and some mortality and is therefore a severe threat to certain individuals. Up to 31 January 2010, there had been 1,229 confirmed deaths from Influenza A/H1N1 in India.

Methodology: This study was a retrospective analysis of deaths caused by RT-PCR-confirmed cases of Influenza A/H1N1 in a tertiary care institution in North India from September 2009 until January 2010.

Results: Among 125 patients admitted to the Influenza A/H1N1 ward of the hospital, a total of 16 deaths had occurred in patients who were positive for Influenza A/H1N1. Two deaths were in the paediatric age group. Most patients who died had some predisposing illness, such as pregnancy, underlying chronic respiratory illness, diabetes, obesity, etc.

Conclusions: In the present study, deaths from Influenza A/H1N1, as with seasonal influenza, appeared to occur primarily in individuals with underlying illness. In India, such individuals may be considered first for preventive strategies, including vaccination.

Author Biographies

Vishal Sharma, University College of Medical Sciences

Senior resident

Department of Medicine '

University College of Medical Sciences 

Delhi

Pushpendra Kumar Verma, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi

Lecturer

Department of Medicine

Sushan Gupta, University College of Medical Sciences

Undergraduate Student

Alka Sharma, University College of Medical Sciences

Postgraduate Student

Department of Medicine

 

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Published

2010-05-24

How to Cite

1.
Sharma V, Verma PK, Gupta S, Sharma A (2010) Mortality from Influenza A/H1N1 in a tertiary care teaching institution in North India. J Infect Dev Ctries 4:468–471. doi: 10.3855/jidc.1007

Issue

Section

Emerging Problems in Infectious Diseases