Karnataka Health Department Attributes Rise in H1N1 Cases to Seasonal Surge
The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, has moved to reassure citizens that the current rise in H1N1 influenza cases, also known as seasonal flu, is part of a standard cyclical monsoon surge. In a press note, the department explained that influenza in Karnataka typically shows two seasonal peaks: from January to March and from July to September.
Health Minister U T Khader chaired a comprehensive review meeting with senior health officials at both state and district levels, according to the department. During the meeting, the minister reaffirmed that the state's medical machinery is fully equipped with adequate infrastructure and essential medicines to handle any untoward increase in cases or an outbreak-like situation.
Case Numbers and District Breakdown
Surveillance data reported through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) shows that Karnataka recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza-positive cases up to August 22, 2026, across 32 districts. For context, the state reported 4,583 cases during 2025 and 3,903 cases during 2024, as per the same data.
District-wise figures indicate that the MSU-Greater Bengaluru Authority reported the highest number of cases at 2,070, followed by Bengaluru Urban with 1,011 cases and Udupi with 300 cases. Additional comparisons for the Greater Bengaluru Authority area show 2,587 cases in 2025 and 1,189 cases in 2024, while Bengaluru Urban reported 961 cases in 2025 and 991 cases in 2024, though these year-wise district figures were carried by a single outlet and have not been independently corroborated in the present reporting.
Surveillance and Preparedness Measures
The state has strengthened Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance in line with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Union Health Ministry. This is being carried out through designated sentinel surveillance sites under the ICMR-NCDC network for pan-respiratory virus surveillance, as well as through the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network, ensuring adequate and timely sample collection and testing.
Health facilities across the state have been advised to ensure adequate availability of essential supplies, including PPE, N95 masks, and Oseltamivir, an antiviral medication. Healthcare workers have been sensitised on early recognition of ILI/SARI, risk assessment, and management of cases. Private healthcare facilities have also been directed to report all cases to surveillance authorities through the IHIP platform and to follow standard protocols issued by the state.
Public Advisory and Call to Avoid Panic
In its advisory, the department urges the public to take preventive measures such as covering the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, washing hands regularly with soap and water, drinking plenty of fluids, and isolating when symptomatic. It also advises against touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, self-medication, shaking hands if symptomatic, visiting crowded places when unwell, and reusing napkins.
The government has explicitly advised the public not to panic and to visit the nearest government health facility if they develop symptoms. Officials stress that the current rise in cases is consistent with the expected seasonal pattern and that the state's health infrastructure is prepared to manage the situation.