New Delhi, August 24(APAC Media): Delhi has recorded 1,777 H1N1 cases this year.
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh will hold a meeting with municipal health officers and officials from government hospitals on Monday to review the rise in H1N1 cases and the city’s preparedness to manage the infections.
The meeting comes as Delhi has reported 2,392 influenza-A cases so far this year, with H1N1 accounting for the majority of infections.
Delhi Steps Up H1N1 Surveillance
Singh has directed chief district medical officers, district surveillance officers and hospitals to strengthen the screening, reporting and monitoring of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).
Health officials have already circulated guidelines on patient categorisation, treatment, ventilatory management, mask use and home care. Healthcare workers are also being trained on identifying symptoms and following up with patients.
Singh said several patients have reported high-grade fever, but the department has not received reports of patients requiring ICU or ventilator support so far.
The minister said Delhi has adequate hospital beds, doctors, medicines and essential medical equipment to manage the current situation.
H1N1 Cases Below Previous Outbreak Levels
The current H1N1 count remains below the levels recorded during some of Delhi’s earlier outbreaks.
According to National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) data, Delhi reported 4,307 H1N1 cases in 2015, 3,627 in 2019 and 3,151 in 2024.
The city recorded 31 H1N1 deaths in 2019. However, no H1N1 deaths were reported in Delhi during the 2024 outbreak.
Doctors Link Rise To Weather Conditions
Doctors have pointed to weather conditions as one of the factors that may contribute to the spread of influenza.
Dr Neetu Jain, senior consultant in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at PSRI Hospital, said high humidity and temperatures can contribute to the spread of influenza and other viral infections.
Health authorities have advised people to maintain hand hygiene, wear masks in crowded places and avoid close contact with people showing respiratory symptoms. People have also been advised to consult doctors rather than self-medicate.
The health department’s meeting on Monday is expected to focus on disease surveillance, hospital preparedness and the management of influenza cases across Delhi.
