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Delhi Sees Nearly 8-Fold Rise in Swine Flu Cases Compared With Last Year
New Delhi: Fear over the rising spread of swine flu is growing across the country, with Delhi witnessing a sharp surge in H1N1 infections. According to the figures provided, the national capital has recorded 1,777 cases this year, crossing the 1,800-mark when newer cases are taken into account. Delhi has reported a nearly six-fold rise in H1N1 infections compared with several other states, with seasonal rainfall, changing weather conditions and fluctuations in temperature and humidity being cited as factors behind the increase in influenza cases.
Hospitals across the capital have also reported a rise in patients suffering from respiratory infections, while some doctors and the head of a government hospital in Delhi have reportedly tested positive for H1N1. In a worrying development, 114 new H1N1 cases were detected in Delhi in a single day on August 20, taking the total this year to 1,777. The number stood at 1,344 as of August 6, meaning 433 new cases were reported in just 14 days. The surge is particularly striking compared with last year, when Delhi had recorded only 229 swine flu cases during the corresponding period, indicating an increase of nearly eight times this year. Amid the growing number of infections, Union Health Minister JP Nadda chaired an emergency review meeting to assess the situation, following which government hospitals were directed to maintain adequate preparedness and ensure necessary arrangements.
Authorities have also been asked to closely monitor infection patterns, affected areas and possible hotspots to prevent further spread. AIIMS experts have reportedly attributed the seasonal rise in influenza cases partly to changes in temperature and humidity during the monsoon period. Health experts have warned that older adults and people with existing lung, heart or diabetes-related conditions may face a higher risk of severe infection, making early attention to respiratory symptoms and appropriate medical care especially important.
