Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 activity is increasing in Delhi, but the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has emphasized that the rise does not reflect the emergence of a new influenza strain and does not warrant panic. Delhi has reported 2,602 influenza cases this year through Friday, including 2,392 Influenza A cases and 210 Influenza B cases. Of the Influenza A cases, 1,777 were identified as H1N1, making it the predominant subtype in the capital this year. On Thursday alone, 114 H1N1 cases were reported.

In response, the Delhi health department has strengthened surveillance and hospital preparedness, with 35 hospitals under special surveillance and referral laboratories designated at AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control. Daily monitoring of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection is also underway. Against this backdrop, ICMR scientists have…