Govt to take stock of H1N1 as Karnataka cases cross 4,000
Health minister U T Khader said surveillance and preparedness will be among the key issues to be discussed at the meeting, amid concern over the spread of the seasonal flu in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s government will convene a meeting with health officials this week to assess the H1N1 situation, as the state’s case count surpasses 4,000, including over 2,000 in Bengaluru alone. Health Minister U T Khader mentioned surveillance and preparedness as key topics for discussion, amid worries over the seasonal flu's spread in Bengaluru.
Karnataka has reported 4,583 H1N1 cases so far this year, with the peak expected to wane by September. Udupi leads with 293 cases, followed by Mysuru's 184. The Greater Bengaluru Authority area has recorded 2,033 cases, while Bengaluru Urban district has seen 982. Doctors suspect the true number of infections could be higher due to many mild cases going untested.
While health officials assure no panic is needed, stressing that surveillance is in place and only a slight increase in cases compared to last year, they urge greater awareness of hygiene and infection-control measures. No mutant strain has been detected, they add. H1N1 symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, body aches, and fatigue.
The health ministry advised seeking medical help for persistent symptoms and urged officials to ensure hospital readiness, including for severe acute respiratory infection cases, as several cities report rising influenza cases.
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