Delhi H1N1 cases surge to 1,449, Nadda reviews preparedness

Union Health Minister J P Nadda on August 21 reviewed H1N1 influenza preparedness, focusing on Delhi where cases have risen sharply. Livemint reports that Delhi has recorded 1,449 H1N1 infections by mid-August, compared with 229 during the same period last year. Greater Kashmir reports that Nadda emphasised vigilance, robust surveillance, and proactive preparedness, with Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh also attending the meeting.

Nadda reviewed national surveillance data, influenza-like illness trends, testing networks, and healthcare facility readiness, including hospital beds, critical care, and oxygen supplies. He stressed early detection, timely testing, and clinical management, as well as public awareness on respiratory hygiene. The review follows a July 10 directive from the Union Health Secretary to states to strengthen acute respiratory illness preparedness.

The minister called for integrated disease management for overlapping seasonal illnesses like dengue and malaria, and urged state governments, municipal councillors, and local bodies to lead community awareness. Significant seasonal influenza activity has also been reported in Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, according to NCDC and IDSP data cited by Livemint.