Karnataka H1N1 Cases: 4,212 Influenza Cases Reported, Health Minister UT Khader Urges People To Stay Alert

Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader on Monday, August 24, said there was no need for panic over the rise in H1N1 influenza cases in the state, while urging people to remain alert and follow basic precautions. According to surveillance data reported through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), Karnataka recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza-positive cases across 32 districts up to August 22, 2026.

The Health Department said the increase is part of the state's normal seasonal pattern rather than an unusual outbreak, PTI reported. Influenza in Karnataka generally records two peaks, from January to March and again from July to September, with the current rise occurring during the monsoon period. Delhi H1N1 Surge: Swine Flu Cases Rise Nearly 8-Fold to 1,777; Know Symptoms, Risks, and Precautions.

Bengaluru Accounts For Majority Of H1N1 Cases

The Greater Bengaluru Authority area has reported the highest number of cases, with 2,070, followed by Bengaluru Urban with 1,011 and Udupi with 300, according to the latest district-wise surveillance data. Together, the two Bengaluru areas account for more than 3,000 of the cases recorded so far this year.

Khader said most patients are being treated at home and that the number of active cases is currently around 300 to 400, with the majority in Bengaluru. Delhi H1N1 Influenza Surge: Symptoms, Who Is at Higher Risk and How To Prevent Infection.

"H1N1 cases are currently very low in our state. There is no need for any panic. But during this period, whether a person has a fever or not, it is everyone's responsibility to remain alert. Viral fever is natural, but it is our responsibility to take precautions to prevent it," he said.

The minister added that officials had spoken to authorities in Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural about the situation. "It is natural for infections to be higher in places where there are large crowds and crowded spaces. People have to remain alert," he said.

4,212 Cases Reported This Year

According to the health department, Karnataka recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases by August 22. The state had recorded 4,583 cases during the whole of 2025 and 3,903 in 2024, putting the 2026 figure close to last year's full-year total even before the end of August.

"From January till now, there have been about 400 cases in Bengaluru. It may be around 200 cases at present. There have been 4,212 cases in the state in total. They developed fever, got tested and recovered. There is no problem," Khader said.

The health department's data indicates that cases are concentrated in Bengaluru, while several other districts have reported substantially lower numbers.

Health Department Reviews Preparedness

Khader chaired a review meeting with senior health officials from the state and districts to assess the influenza situation and the department's preparedness.

The Health Department said government medical facilities have adequate infrastructure and essential medicines to manage a potential increase in cases or an outbreak-like situation. Surveillance for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) has also been strengthened through designated surveillance sites and laboratory networks.

The surveillance system includes the ICMR-NCDC network for pan-respiratory virus surveillance and the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories network, with the aim of ensuring timely sample collection and testing.

Minister Urges People To Take Precautions

Khader said viruses circulate widely and can become more active depending on weather and prevailing conditions.

"They are usually slower, but depending on the weather and prevailing conditions, they can become more active, mutate faster and become somewhat more potent," he said.

Khader said such infections can affect people with lower immunity.

"At certain times, some viruses can also change and become more potent, and that can put us in a dangerous situation. There is no such situation now," he said.

The minister urged people to remain vigilant and suggested drinking boiled or hot water. He also said instructions had been issued to hotels to serve boiled water, with cold water to be provided only when specifically requested by customers.

Advice For People With Fever

Khader advised people who develop a cold or fever to stay away from others for a day or two to reduce the risk of transmission. "If you stay away for a couple of days and take the required tablet, you will generally recover automatically," he said. He also advised those who have to go out despite having a fever to wear a mask and exercise caution in public.

"If the fever persists for two or three days, you can go for a test. If symptoms are detected, the required medicines are available at our PHCs and government hospitals across the state. We have already initiated procurement, and the tender process was taken up recently. The medicines will arrive as soon as possible. Some places already have adequate stocks, and arrangements have been made for those who do not have them to procure them," he added.

The Health Department has separately advised people with flu-like symptoms to cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands regularly, stay hydrated and isolate themselves when required.

No Official H1N1 Death Confirmed

Responding to a question about fatalities, Khader said no H1N1 death has been officially confirmed in Karnataka.

He said some patients with underlying health conditions may test positive for the virus, which can create uncertainty over the actual cause of death. District- and state-level audit committees are examining such cases.

The minister also rejected reports of an alleged H1N1 outbreak at a school. According to him, an inquiry found that two teachers had tested positive and stayed away from the school, while some parents chose to keep their children at home.

An advisory on precautions against infectious diseases will be issued to schools, he added.

Karnataka Sees Two Seasonal Flu Peaks

The current increase in influenza cases comes during Karnataka's second usual seasonal peak, which runs from July through September. The first peak generally occurs between January and March.

The latest figures show that the 2026 case count is already approaching the total recorded during all of 2025. However, health authorities have characterised the current rise as a seasonal monsoon surge and said the state's medical system is prepared to respond to any further increase.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2026 03:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).