Karnataka strengthens preparedness as seasonal influenza cases cross 4,200
The Health Department said the rise in cases being reported during the monsoon was part of the usual seasonal pattern and urged people not to panic
Karnataka's Health Department has intensified surveillance and preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1, following a surge in laboratory-confirmed cases to 4,212 across 32 districts as of August 22, according to the State Health Minister U.T. Khader. The department noted that the increase in cases during the monsoon season is typical and cautioned against panic.
Influenza typically peaks in two periods annually, from January to March and July to September in Karnataka. During a review meeting chaired by Health Minister U.T. Khader on August 24, senior health officials assessed the situation and the readiness of the health system. The State's healthcare infrastructure and essential medicines are sufficient to manage the outbreak, the Minister assured.
Surveillance data from the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) revealed that 4,212 cases have been reported this year, compared to 4,583 in 2025 and 3,903 in 2024. Over 50% of these cases are from GBA limits. The Department of Health is closely monitoring the situation using surveillance sites under the ICMR-NCDC network and the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network to ensure timely sample collection and testing.
Healthcare facilities have been directed to stock essential supplies such as personal protective equipment, N95 masks, and oseltamivir, while healthcare workers have received training on early identification of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases. Private hospitals and healthcare centers have been advised to follow the State's protocols for screening, testing, and treatment of H1N1 cases and to report them to the surveillance authorities through the IHIP platform.
The department has strengthened infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings, focusing on respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and hand hygiene. Public awareness campaigns have been ramped up, advising symptomatic individuals to visit the nearest government health facility, cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands regularly, and avoid touching their face when symptomatic.
The Minister emphasized that seasonal influenza can be prevented and managed through early detection and timely treatment, especially among high-risk groups.
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