Punjab Newsline | New Delhi

Delhi is witnessing a sharp rise in swine flu (H1N1) cases, with more than 1,777 cases reported so far this year. According to the Delhi Health Department, over 2,300 Influenza-A cases have been recorded in the city, including 114 new H1N1 cases reported on Thursday.

Amid the rising cases, Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Singh has convened a high-level meeting to review the situation and discuss measures for prevention and control. The government said it is closely monitoring the situation.

The total number of Influenza-A cases in Delhi is around 2,392, while Influenza-A and B cases together have crossed approximately 2,602. H1N1 remains the dominant strain among the reported Influenza-A infections.

The Delhi government has urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, avoid crowded places, cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, wash hands regularly with soap and use masks when necessary.

Officials said hospitals have adequate beds, doctors, medicines and medical equipment to handle the situation. As many as 35 hospitals are under special monitoring to ensure preparedness.

Meanwhile, a recent survey in Delhi has highlighted the spread of flu-like illnesses, with 54 per cent of households reporting at least one person experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or body ache.