H1N1 Cases in Delhi: Swine Flu Infections Rise In National Capital, Health Ministry Urges Early Medical Attention

The Ministry of Health has urged people to recognise symptoms of swine flu early and seek medical advice if symptoms persist, amid a rise in H1N1 cases in Delhi. In a post on X, the ministry said symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, body aches and fatigue, and advised people experiencing them to approach their nearest healthcare centre.

This comes as Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda on Friday reviewed the prevailing situation and preparedness for H1N1 Influenza in the country, with particular focus on the National Capital. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the meeting.

Delhi Records Rise In H1N1 Cases

Delhi has recorded 1,777 H1N1 cases so far in 2026, including 114 new cases on August 20, with no deaths reported from the infection.

The H1N1 count has risen more than six-fold compared with 229 cases recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, according to NCDC data. The surge in H1N1 comes even as Delhi's vector-borne disease burden remains relatively low, with 246 dengue, 80 malaria and 19 chikungunya cases reported so far this year.

The latest figures were reviewed a day after the Delhi government assessed the city's seasonal disease situation. While no deaths have been reported from H1N1 so far, the sharp increase in cases has led authorities to step up surveillance and preparedness. Recent reports indicate that H1N1 accounts for the largest share of the roughly 2,000 Influenza-A cases recorded in the capital.

Health Ministry Urges Early Medical Attention

The Ministry of Health said in a post on X, “Swine flu (H1N1) can show up through symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, body aches and fatigue. Recognise the signs early and don’t ignore persistent symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical advice at your nearest healthcare centre.”

The H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu, is a strain of influenza A virus. During the 2009–10 flu season, a novel H1N1 virus emerged and began spreading among humans. The virus was referred to as swine flu because it contained a combination of influenza viruses that had previously circulated among pigs, birds and humans.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic in 2009. The virus is estimated to have caused around 284,400 deaths worldwide that year.

The rise in H1N1 cases this year is considerably more pronounced compared with last year. Delhi had recorded 229 H1N1 cases by the corresponding period in 2025, according to National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) data. By August 12, the figure had risen to 1,449, representing more than a six-fold increase over the corresponding period last year. With the latest figure of 1,777 cases as of August 20, the number has risen further in just over a week.

Centre Government’s Preparedness

At the meeting, Nadda reviewed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, including trends in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), testing and laboratory surveillance, as well as the preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage seasonal influenza cases.

The preparedness of healthcare facilities in Delhi was also assessed, including the availability of hospital beds, critical-care facilities and essential medical supplies.