Delhi Reports 2,308 H1N1 Cases; Government Says No Need To Panic

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened an emergency review meeting on Tuesday in response to the surge in H1N1 cases in Delhi. Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and other senior health department officials participated in the meeting. A total of 2,308 H1N1 cases have been reported in the Capital so far this year, out of around 3,000 influenza cases.

Following the meeting, Singh said, 

"We held a meeting on H1N1 and dengue, in which we also invited officials from the NDMC, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and Cantonment areas. I would like to convey through all your channels that there is absolutely no need for panic anywhere. Everything is in order. There are enough beds, physicians, and medicines at our hospitals."

H1N1 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus. Singh said, 

“Approximately 3,000 influenza cases have been reported, including both variants. If we talk about H1N1, there are 2,308 cases. The other variant has approximately 600–650 cases. We have detected 2,200 dengue cases as of yesterday; that is our latest report. There have been no deaths. No patient is in a serious condition, and no one is on a ventilator or in the ICU. Patients are coming in with normal fever symptoms, receiving treatment, and recovering well before being discharged.”

ICMR chief says no need to panic

On Tuesday, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said there was no reason for concern as the fatality rate from the virus has remained low. 

"People don't need to get tested or get the flu shot," he said. "Only those who are at high risk of severe disease, such as those over 65 and those with compromised immune systems, may get the shot if they are willing, after consulting their doctor. There is no need for people to get tested either because the disease is self-limiting. Only those who have severe disease and need hospitalisation may need to get tested on the advice of their doctor."

Delhi schools told to strengthen flu prevention

The Delhi Directorate of Education has also intervened amid the rise in cases. The Directorate's School Branch (Health) issued a circular on Monday advising all government, government-aided and private unaided schools in Delhi to strengthen awareness and preventive measures against H1N1 and seasonal influenza. The circular called for a "Healthy School – Healthy Community" approach, which includes hand and respiratory hygiene, avoiding self-medication, and disseminating the advice through parent communication channels and morning assemblies. Districts have been asked to monitor compliance and submit reports by August 31.