AAP sounds alarm over Delhi H1N1 surge, says infections spreading ‘like corona’

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday raised concerns over the rising number of swine flu or H1N1 cases in Delhi, urging the government to intensify public awareness campaigns and strengthen measures to contain the spread.

AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that several people, particularly school-going children, were experiencing high 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.

He alleged that adequate steps had not been taken to address the situation and called for increased public awareness and sufficient availability of medicines at government hospitals and dispensaries.

Bharadwaj also described H1N1 as highly contagious, claiming that infections were spreading rapidly within families.

Centre Reviews Delhi’s Preparedness

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

The meeting assessed national influenza surveillance, epidemiological trends, influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), testing and laboratory surveillance, as well as the preparedness of healthcare facilities, with particular focus on Delhi.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the meeting.

The Union Health Ministry said Nadda emphasised close monitoring of influenza trends and proactive preparedness to ensure early detection and timely treatment of patients.

Delhi Reports 1,777 H1N1 Cases

Delhi has recorded 2,392 influenza-A cases so far this year, including 1,777 H1N1 infections, according to figures cited by the Delhi health department.

Singh said the capital was fully prepared to handle the seasonal increase in influenza cases and that there was no shortage of hospital beds, doctors, medicines or essential medical equipment.

He added that patient numbers were being closely monitored and hospital arrangements were being strengthened according to demand.

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

Advisories have also been issued to district health officials and hospitals regarding the screening, reporting and monitoring of 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, can cause 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.