‘Wear masks, avoid crowds’: Delhi steps up surveillance as H1N1 cases cross 1,777

Aug 23, 2026 JKUpdates

‘Wear masks, avoid crowds’: Delhi steps up surveillance as H1N1 cases cross 1,777

August 23, 2026 / 07:21 IST : Delhi has stepped up its preparedness and monitoring of influenza cases after more than 1,777 H1N1 infections were recorded in the national capital this year, with 114 fresh cases reported on Thursday.

The Delhi government has issued a public health advisory asking people to take precautions against respiratory infections, particularly in crowded settings. Residents have been advised to wear masks in crowded places, maintain respiratory hygiene and seek medical care if flu-like symptoms appear.

According to official figures, Delhi has recorded 2,602 influenza cases in 2026 so far. Of these, 2,392 are Influenza-A infections and 210 are Influenza-B cases. H1N1 is the most commonly reported Influenza-A strain, accounting for 1,777 cases, followed by H3, H1 and other subtypes.

The government has placed 35 hospitals under special surveillance and identified AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as referral laboratories for testing and monitoring.

Under the advisory, residents have been asked to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and wash their hands regularly with soap and water. Authorities have also advised people to keep their distance from those with respiratory infections, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily, refrain from spitting in public and stay adequately hydrated.

Those developing symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache or breathing difficulties have been advised to consult a doctor instead of resorting to self-medication.

The government has issued technical guidelines for healthcare facilities covering patient categorisation, treatment, home-based care, ventilatory support and mask use. Hospitals and district health authorities have also been directed to improve screening and reporting of influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), influenza and COVID-19 cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, who took part in a review meeting chaired by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday, said the capital had adequate medical resources to handle the seasonal increase in cases. He said there was no shortage of hospital beds, doctors, medicines or critical medical equipment, while patient numbers were being monitored and preparedness measures strengthened where necessary.

The Delhi State Health Mission is tracking the influenza situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Authorities are also conducting daily reviews, awareness drives and training programmes for healthcare workers.

The rise comes during the period when seasonal influenza activity typically increases in India. Health experts have noted that the country generally sees two seasonal peaks, one between January and March and another during the post-monsoon period.