Delhi Swine Flu Cases Surge: AAP Flags ‘Alarming’ H1N1 Spread, Govt Reviews Situation

AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that several people, particularly school-going children, were experiencing high-grade fever, cough and other flu-like symptoms.

Bharadwaj alleged that the government had not taken adequate measures to address the situation and called for greater public awareness about the infection.

Source : X

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday raised concerns over the rising number of swine flu cases in Delhi, urging the government to intensify public awareness campaigns and ensure adequate availability of medicines at hospitals and dispensaries.

AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that several people, particularly school-going children, were experiencing high-grade fever, cough and other flu-like symptoms.

“Across Delhi, an alarmingly high number of people, especially school-going children, are suffering from high-grade fever, cough and flu-like symptoms. Some say it's H1N1,” Bharadwaj said in a post on X.

AAP Raises Concern Over H1N1 Spread

Bharadwaj alleged that the government had not taken adequate measures to address the situation and called for greater public awareness about the infection.

“I don't see serious efforts by the government in this regard,” he said, while demanding that medicines be made available at hospitals and dispensaries.

“To my understanding, it is highly contagious and spreading like corona. Once a family member gets it, almost everyone gets sick in turn,” Bharadwaj said.

Delhi has reported 1,777 H1N1 (swine flu) cases so far this year.

J P Nadda Reviews Delhi's Influenza Preparedness

Amid the rise in H1N1 cases, Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday reviewed the influenza situation and preparedness measures in Delhi.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and senior officials from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attended the meeting.

The review covered national influenza surveillance, the epidemiological situation, trends in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), testing and laboratory surveillance, and the preparedness of healthcare facilities, with a particular focus on Delhi.

“The health minister emphasised the need for close monitoring of influenza trends and proactive preparedness to ensure early detection and timely clinical management of cases,” the Union Health Ministry said in a statement.

Delhi Reports 2,392 Influenza-A Cases

Delhi has recorded 2,392 influenza-A cases, including 1,777 H1N1 infections, so far this year.

Following the meeting, Pankaj Kumar Singh said Delhi was fully equipped to handle the seasonal rise in influenza cases. He said there was no shortage of beds, doctors, medicines or essential medical equipment in the city.

Singh added that patient numbers were being closely monitored and hospital arrangements were being strengthened according to requirements.

The Delhi State Health Mission is conducting surveillance through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), with daily monitoring of ILI, SARI and influenza cases reported through the IDSP-IHIP (Integrated Health Information Platform) portal.

Health Department Steps Up Surveillance

According to the Delhi government's statement, regular updates are being shared with senior authorities to track the situation.

Advisories have also been issued to chief district medical officers, district surveillance officers and hospitals for the screening, reporting and monitoring of ILI, SARI and influenza cases.

Technical guidelines covering patient categorisation, treatment protocols, ventilatory management, mask use and home care have also been circulated.

H1N1 Symptoms

Medical practitioners said H1N1 infection, commonly known as swine flu, typically causes fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches and fatigue.

People experiencing persistent high fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion or worsening symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly.