Nearly 98% of influenza cases tested across India have been identified as Influenza A (H1N1), according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Dr Rajiv Bahl. There is “no immediate cause for concern,” however, since the flu pattern has remained similar to seasonal flu trends, he said.
Dr Bahl added that typically, influenza sees two peaks in the season in India – in the monsoon and winter periods. There has been a rise in infections in recent weeks, while hospitalisation is low and there is not an undue number of severe cases. Very ill individuals have mostly had underlying health issues, he added.
The ICMR’s surveillance network comprises of 23 hospitals that are considered as sentinel hospitals for syndromic surveillance and testing. Moreover, 73 laboratories conduct testing for serious acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illnesses on approximately 25 samples per week, to keep a surveillance on current pathogens.
It is to be noted that so far there is no death report as a result of influenza, Dr Bahl added. He advised the public to be alert and take preventive measures, but said there was no sign of a pattern in the situation.
The infection is being monitored by health authorities, but could still take some time to peak during this season.