Karnataka Health Department on High Alert as H1N1 Cases Rise

Karnataka Health Department on High Alert as H1N1 Cases Rise

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 24, 2026: The Karnataka Health Department has stepped up surveillance and preventive measures as H1N1 (swine flu) cases continue to rise across the state. As many as 4,212 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported across Karnataka in the first eight months of this year, with cases increasing in 15 districts.

A high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Health Minister U.T. Khader, with senior health officials from the state and districts. The department said the state’s healthcare system is fully prepared to deal with any emergency, with adequate infrastructure, hospital beds and stocks of essential medicines.

According to surveillance data from the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), a total of 4,212 laboratory-confirmed positive cases have been reported across all 32 districts.

Karnataka recorded 4,583 H1N1 cases in 2025 and 3,903 cases in 2024. Influenza cases typically increase in the state during January-March and July-September.

District hospitals, medical colleges and super-speciality hospitals have been designated as surveillance centres for detecting influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections.

Necessary testing kits and equipment have been made available for rapid testing of samples through ICMR-NCDC laboratories, state Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) and NIMHANS.

Adequate stocks of Oseltamivir tablets and other medicines, N95 masks and PPE kits have been maintained from primary health centres to district hospitals. Doctors and nursing staff have also been provided special training to identify patients at an early stage and provide appropriate treatment.

Precautionary Guidelines

The Health Department has advised the public to:
Isolate themselves at home if they develop symptoms.
Wear masks in public places.
Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitiser.
Drink only clean, purified water.
Avoid frequently touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid self-medication without consulting a doctor.
Avoid handshakes with others while experiencing fever or cold symptoms.
Avoid unnecessary visits to crowded public places.
Use a handkerchief or tissue while sneezing or coughing.