No New Strain of H1N1 Identified, Current Surge Part of Seasonal Influenza Pattern: ICMR DG
- On Tuesday, Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Rajiv Bahl stated the H1N1 surge is seasonal influenza, not a new strain, urging no panic as the virus has remained endemic since the 2009 pandemic.
- Surveillance data from 73 sentinel sites and 167 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories confirms H1N1 dominates as the circulating influenza A virus, tracking respiratory activity and severity changes across India's network.
- Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh reported around 3,000 influenza cases this year, including 2,308 H1N1 infections, prompting Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to call an emergency review meeting.
- While most cases remain mild, Bahl advised that older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people face greater risk; universal vaccination is not recommended, though high-risk groups should consult doctors.
- Bahl stated masks are unnecessary because respiratory droplets travel only two metres, emphasizing that tracking severity matters more than case counts while surveillance continues for H3N2, SARS-CoV-2, and other viruses.
31 Articles
31 Articles
<p style="text-align: justify;">Amidst the rising cases of H1N1 infection in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a major statement. ICMR Director General Dr. Rajeev Bahl stated on Tuesday (August 25) that the increase in cases is part of the normal trend of seasonal influenza and no new variant of the virus has been identified. He said that people need not panic, as most cases are not serious and patients recover on t…
No new strain of H1N1 identified, current surge part of seasonal influenza pattern: ICMR DG
The ICMR director general stated H1N1 infections are seasonal and not a new strain. Most cases are mild and self-limiting, requiring no widespread panic. Current circulating viruses align with seasonal patterns observed in recent years. Individuals at higher risk should exercise caution and seek medical advice. Routine hygiene and avoiding unnecessary medication are advised for public protection.
H1N1 dominates 98 per cent of Influenza A cases in India: ICMR Director-General Rajiv Bahl
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Rajiv Bahl on Tuesday said that the H1N1 strain of Influenza A has emerged as the overwhelmingly dominant respiratory pathogen circulating across India, accounting for nearly 98% of tested Influenza A cases.
Swine Flu In India: ICMR Says Not A New Strain As 54% Delhi-NCR Household Report Flu Symptoms
ICMR scientists allay the fear of a new strain; however, the cases are on the rise, and infectious disease specialist advice caution including early antiviral therapy.
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