H1N1 Cases Surge in Delhi: JP Nadda Reviews Preparedness, Says No Need to Panic

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By TRH Health Desk

Delhi has reported 1,449 H1N1 cases as of Aug. 12, up from around 200 last year, as Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda reviews surveillance, testing and hospital preparedness.

New Delhi, August 21, 2026 — Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda on Friday reviewed the prevailing situation and preparedness for H1N1 influenza in the country, with particular focus on the National Capital.

Nadda said on X that the meeting focused on proactive surveillance, testing and preparedness of healthcare facilities to deal with the situation.

He also emphasised coordination with relevant stakeholders, including municipal bodies, for public awareness and sensitisation.

The Union Health Minister stressed preventive health practices, including respiratory and hand hygiene, and advised people with persistent or severe symptoms to seek medical advice promptly.

The review comes amid a sharp rise in reported H1N1 cases in Delhi.

According to India Today, Delhi recorded 1,449 H1N1 cases as of Aug. 12, compared with around 200 cases last year, marking a more than six-fold increase.

Bengaluru has also reported flu-like symptoms, with some schools temporarily suspending physical classes, according to the report.

Health authorities, however, have said there is no outbreak, even as the highly contagious virus continues to spread.

Delhi Health Minister Says No Need to Panic

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said that he met Nadda to discuss swine flu and dengue in the capital.

“Under the guidance of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, we held a meeting today to discuss swine flu and dengue in Delhi,” Singh said.

He said detailed discussions were held and Nadda expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, assuring full support from the Central Government whenever required.

Singh said the Delhi government had been fully prepared for the past two months, including arrangements for beds, ICUs, doctors and medicines.

“Patients are receiving treatment and recovering well, so there is no need for the public in Delhi to panic,” he said.

According to Singh, the situation is gradually being brought under control.

Opposition Raises Concerns

Former Delhi minister Saurav Bhardwaj, however, raised concerns over the spread of flu-like illness, particularly among school-going children.

“Across Delhi, an alarmingly high number of people, especially school-going children, are suffering from high-grade fever, cough and flu-like symptoms,” Bhardwaj said.

He said some people believed the illness was H1N1 and described it as highly contagious.

Bhardwaj claimed that once one family member contracts the infection, other members often fall sick in succession.

“I don’t see serious efforts by the government in this regard,” he said, while calling for greater public awareness and ensuring the availability of medicines at hospitals and dispensaries.

The Centre’s review and the Delhi government’s preparedness measures come as authorities monitor the increase in H1N1 cases and flu-like illnesses in the capital.

For the public, health authorities have stressed preventive measures, including respiratory and hand hygiene, while urging those with persistent or severe symptoms to seek medical advice promptly.

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