Total 2,446 H1N1 cases with 138 infections in last 24 hrs, DMA issues advisory

The national capital reported 138 H1N1 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative number of cases this year to 2,446, while the total number of Influenza-A cases stood at 3,177.

Seeing the rise, the Delhi Medical Association issued an advisory, urging people to follow respiratory and personal hygiene measures, avoid crowded places and seek timely medical advice if they develop flu-like symptoms. The association advised people to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and recommended wearing an N95 mask while experiencing flu symptoms, while health care professionals have been advised to wear masks in clinics, hospitals and OPDs.

Delhi health minister Pankaj Kumar Singh held a virtual review meeting with medical directors and medical superintendents of Delhi government hospitals to assess preparedness for H1N1, seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses. The minister directed hospitals to strengthen emergency services and ensure adequate availability of isolation beds, doctors, testing facilities, medicines and other essential resources.

Hospitals were asked to maintain at least five isolation beds, while larger hospitals were directed to keep 10 or more beds for managing influenza and vector-borne disease cases. They were also told to maintain shift-wise duty rosters and ensure round-the-clock availability of doctors and medical staff.

According to the Delhi government, the city has reported 138 H1N1 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases this year to 2,446. The total number of Influenza-A cases stands at 3,177.

The minister directed hospitals to establish or strengthen dedicated flu corners in emergency departments, with senior residents deployed for emergency duty. Suspected patients should be assessed promptly and swab samples collected and sent for testing wherever clinically indicated.

Hospitals were also asked to ensure adequate stocks of Viral Transport Medium and other supplies required for respiratory specimen collection and testing. Special emphasis is placed on children and elderly people, with hospitals directed to ensure their timely assessment and appropriate care.