Delhi reports 2,308 H1N1 cases as CM Rekha Gupta calls emergency review meeting

Amid rising H1N1 or swine flu cases in Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called for an emergency review meeting, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said on Tuesday (August 25).

Speaking to reporters, Singh said that this year Delhi had reported 2,308 H1N1 infections among around 3,000 influenza cases.

The Health Minister made the remarks following a review meeting with senior officials of the Health Department, MCD, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board.

Delhi reviews H1N1 preparedness

“There is no problem of doctors, staff or medicines. The chief minister has called an emergency review meeting. I assure you there is no problem, everything is under control,” added Singh.

Also Read: Nadda reviews H1N1 influenza situation, stresses vigilance and surveillance

He assured that there was no reason to panic, warning hospitals of strict action if they refuse to provide beds to patients.

He said the meeting was held to review the arrangements and preparedness for H1N1, or seasonal influenza, as well as vector-borne diseases in Delhi.

Hospitals warned against bed-refusals

“There is no need for panic. Patients are coming, but they are getting treated and then going back. Isolation wards have been created in every hospital. If any patient complains of not being provided a bed, action will be taken against the hospital," the minister said.

At 2,308 cases, H1N1 infections account for the vast majority of influenza cases reported in Delhi this year, while the remaining are of other strains of influenza.

Experts flag high-risk groups

H1N1 infection, commonly known as swine flu, usually presents with fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches and fatigue. Those with persistent high fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion or worsening symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly.

Also Read: No need to panic over H1N1 surge in Karnataka, says Health Minister Khader

Meanwhile, doctors and health experts have pointed out that children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable to severe infection.

"The rise in H1N1 cases has brought preventive vaccination back into the conversation," said Dr Bharat Gopal, senior director, respiratory and sleep medicine, Medanta Mediclinic, Defence Colony and Medanta-The Medicity.

Testing and vaccination queries rise

More people have been enquiring about seasonal influenza vaccination, particularly high-risk individuals and families with children or elderly members, he said.

Dr Bibhu Anand, physician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, "The swine flu test is easily available in almost all hospitals and diagnostic centres." Testing at private hospitals generally costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000, while a full respiratory BioFire panel can cost between Rs 9,000 and Rs 15,000.

In government hospitals, the cost is "almost negligible," he said.

(With agency inputs)