BENGALURU: The state health department on Monday said the recent rise in H1N1 influenza cases is part of the usual seasonal pattern during the monsoon and said the state is prepared to handle any further increase in cases.
Influenza in Karnataka generally records two seasonal peaks from January to March and July to September. According to surveillance data from the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), the state has recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza-positive cases across 32 districts as of August 22, 2026. A total of 4,583 cases were recorded in 2025 and 3,903 cases in 2024.
Health Minister UT Khader chaired a review meeting with senior health officials from the districts to assess the current situation and preparedness. Officials in the department said the state’s medical infrastructure and the stock of essential medicines are adequate to manage in case of an increase in cases or an outbreak-like situation.
As part of its preparedness measures, Karnataka has strengthened surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in line with WHO and Union health ministry guidelines. Designated sentinel surveillance sites under the ICMR-NCDC network and Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories are being used for pan-respiratory virus surveillance, sample collection and timely testing, he said.
Health facilities across the state have also been directed to ensure adequate stocks of essential supplies, including PPE kits, N95 masks and Oseltamivir, an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of influenza. Healthcare workers have been sensitised to identify ILI and SARI symptoms early, assess risk and manage cases appropriately.
Private healthcare facilities have been instructed to follow state protocols for screening, testing and treatment of H1N1 cases and mandatorily report cases through the IHIP surveillance platform.
The department has also stepped up infection-control and public awareness measures, including respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette and regular handwashing. Citizens have been advised to cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, drink adequate fluids and isolate themselves when symptomatic.
The department urged people with symptoms to visit the nearest government health facility and avoid self-medication. The guidelines also instruct symptomatic individuals to avoid crowded places and handshakes and not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth. The government said early detection and timely treatment, particularly among high-risk groups, would help reduce complications.
The department has appealed to the public not to panic and to follow the recommended precautions to limit the spread of seasonal influenza.