Unprecedented rise in H1N1 cases in Delhi, Nadda holds meeting with Delhi govt

Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday reviewed the prevailing H1N1 influenza situation and preparedness measures in the country with a particular special emphasis on the national capital as the city has reported 2,392 influenza-A cases including 1,777 H1N1 (swine flu) infections so far this year. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the meeting.

Mr Nadda reviewed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, trends in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), testing and laboratory surveillance, and preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage seasonal influenza cases.

Highlighting the need for close monitoring of influenza trends and proactive preparedness to ensure early detection and timely clinical management of cases, the union minister stressed the importance of public awareness and adherence to preventive health practices, including respiratory and hand hygiene. The situation is being closely and continuously monitored and is coordinated with states and Union territories, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance and preparedness, said the health ministry.

Mr Singh, meanwhile, said the city is fully equipped to deal with the seasonal rise in influenza cases. In an official statement issued after the meeting, he said there was no shortage of beds, doctors, medicines or essential medical equipment in the capital, adding that the patient tally was being monitored, and hospital arrangements being strengthened according to requirements.

Of the total influenza-A cases, 1,777 were reported to be H1N1 infections, commonly known as swine flu, while 37 were H1, 138 were H3 and 440 were categorised as other influenza cases, according to the Delhi government. H1N1 is the predominant strain in the city. Additionally, the city has reported 246 dengue cases and 80 malaria cases this year, with zero deaths from either disease. Chikungunya cases stood at 19, also with no deaths.

As part of vector-control measures, local bodies have conducted 2.38 crore house visits, sprayed 3.20 lakh houses, identified 91,217 mosquito-positive houses, issued 74,591 legal notices and launched 6,724 prosecutions.  Delhi has 35 designated sentinel surveillance hospitals, two apex referral laboratories at AIIMS and NCDC, and a malaria reference laboratory at Maulana Azad Medical College.

The health department said the Delhi State Health Mission is maintaining close surveillance through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), with daily monitoring of influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and influenza cases reported through the IDSP-IHIP (Integrated Health Information Platform) portal. Regular updates are being shared with senior authorities.

Advisories have been issued to chief district medical officers, district surveillance officers and hospitals for screening, reporting and monitoring of ILI, SARI and influenza cases, the statement said, adding that technical guidelines covering patient categorisation, treatment protocols, ventilatory management, masks and home care have also been circulated.

An inter-sectoral meeting involving the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Cantonment Board, education department, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and other stakeholders has directed that public awareness and IEC (information, education, and communication) activities on influenza prevention and control be intensified.The complete preparedness report of the city has been shared with Union health minister including arrangements for beds, doctors, medicines and other essential facilities, Mr Singh said, adding that the Union minister has assured that the Centre will provide every necessary support.