Delhi CM Calls Emergency Review As Swine Flu Cases Cross 2,300, Onion-Sugar Prices Rise

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called an emergency review meeting amid a rise in influenza and swine flu cases in the national capital and increasing prices of onion and sugar, officials said on Tuesday.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the government was closely monitoring the situation and assured residents that there was no need to panic.

2,308 H1N1 Cases Reported In Delhi

According to figures shared by the Health Minister, around 3,000 influenza cases have been reported in Delhi so far this year, including 2,308 cases of H1N1, commonly known as swine flu.

Singh said government and private hospitals have adequate beds, doctors, nursing staff and essential medicines. Special isolation wards have also been prepared for suspected and confirmed cases.

He said hospitals refusing admission to patients or failing to provide beds despite availability would face strict action.

ICMR Says H1N1 Is Not A New Strain

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl said H1N1 is currently the dominant influenza-A strain circulating in the country.

According to ICMR's respiratory surveillance, around 97-98% of influenza-A cases are H1N1, while influenza-B cases linked to the Victoria lineage are also being detected. COVID-19 cases, meanwhile, are declining.

Bahl said H1N1 is not a new virus and has undergone routine mutations over the years since the 2009 pandemic. He said there was no need for panic.

Vaccine And Testing Not Needed For Everyone

Health authorities said flu vaccination is not required for everyone. Elderly people above 65 and those at higher risk because of weakened immunity may consider vaccination on medical advice.

Routine laboratory testing is also not necessary for every patient, officials said.

As influenza is a viral infection, antibiotics do not work against it. Antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir may be prescribed for high-risk patients based on medical advice.

Officials said more than 99% of influenza patients do not require hospitalisation and recover with rest and appropriate care at home.

Schools Asked To Step Up Precautions

The Delhi Directorate of Education has issued a health advisory to government, aided and private schools to increase awareness about H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

Schools have been asked to promote precautions through morning assemblies, classrooms, notice boards and digital platforms under the 'Healthy School - Healthy Community' initiative.

Students and staff have been advised to wash their hands regularly, wear masks in public places, maintain distance from people showing symptoms and avoid touching their faces.

The advisory also urges students and staff to avoid self-medication with antibiotics, stay hydrated, maintain a nutritious diet and get adequate rest.

Onion And Sugar Prices Also Under Review

The Chief Minister's emergency review also comes against the backdrop of rising prices of onion and sugar in Delhi.

The government is expected to assess the situation and decide on measures to address both public health concerns and the impact of rising prices on consumers.