Karnataka bolsters health preparedness as seasonal influenza cases reach 4,212

The Karnataka Health Department has heightened surveillance and preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1, as the State has recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed cases this year till August 22. The figures, collated from 32 districts, underline the need for continued public vigilance during the monsoon season.

Officials said the uptick in cases during this period is consistent with the usual seasonal pattern, and there is no cause for alarm. In Karnataka, influenza typically exhibits two seasonal peaks — from January to March and July to September. The current phase falls within the second peak.

Health Minister U.T. Khader chaired a review meeting on Monday with senior health officials to assess the evolving situation and the State's readiness. He reiterated that the health system possesses adequate infrastructure and essential medicines to manage the caseload effectively.

According to data on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), Karnataka has reported 4,212 influenza-positive cases till August 22. This compares with 4,583 cases recorded during the same period last year and 3,903 cases the year before. Notably, over 50% of this year's cases are from the Greater Bengaluru area, indicating an urban concentration of infections.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, the Minister said the department was closely monitoring the situation through strengthened surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Sentinel surveillance sites under the ICMR-NCDC network have been designated for monitoring respiratory viruses. The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network is also being used to ensure timely collection and testing of samples, with adequate laboratory consumables made available to support early detection.

All health facilities across the State have been directed to maintain sufficient stocks of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment, N95 masks, and oseltamivir. Healthcare workers have been sensitised on the early identification of ILI and SARI cases, risk assessment, and appropriate management protocols.

Private hospitals and healthcare facilities have also been advised to follow the State's protocols for screening, testing, and treatment of H1N1 cases. They are required to mandatorily report cases to surveillance authorities through the IHIP platform, ensuring accurate and real-time data collection.

The Minister said the department has strengthened infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, with a focus on respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and hand hygiene. Public awareness campaigns are being intensified to educate citizens about preventive measures.

The department has advised individuals experiencing symptoms to visit the nearest government health facility promptly. Key precautions include covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, washing hands regularly with soap and water, drinking plenty of fluids, and self-isolating when symptomatic. People are also urged to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, refrain from self-medication, and avoid shaking hands or visiting crowded places during illness. Reusing napkins has also been discouraged.

Khader emphasised that seasonal influenza can be effectively prevented and managed through early detection and timely treatment, particularly among high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions.

In a related move, the Health Department will issue guidelines to all schools and colleges on the management of infectious diseases. This decision follows parental concerns after two teachers at a Bengaluru school tested positive for H1N1. The Minister clarified that there was no evidence of the infection spreading among students, and the two teachers had not attended school after developing the infection. The proposed guidelines are expected to ensure appropriate precautions and streamlined management of infectious diseases in educational institutions.