Bengaluru Reports Nearly 200 Active H1N1 Cases as Karnataka Tally Crosses 4,200

Bengaluru has recorded nearly 200 active H1N1 cases, accounting for a major share of Karnataka’s estimated 300 to 400 active infections, Health Minister U T Khader said on Monday. Most of the active cases in the city fall within the Greater Bengaluru Authority limits.

Addressing concerns over the rise in viral infections, Khader urged the public not to panic, stating that all 4,212 patients across the state who tested positive since January have recovered. Karnataka has reported 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases across 32 districts up to August 22 this year, according to surveillance data on the Integrated Health Information Platform. The state previously reported 4,583 cases in 2025 and 3,903 cases in 2024.

According to the Health Department, the recent increase aligns with the regular seasonal pattern of influenza, which typically sees peaks between January and March and again from July to September. The minister noted that H1N1 numbers remain manageable across the state.

Khader stated that Bengaluru has reported approximately 400 H1N1 cases since January. Officials reviewed the ground situation in both Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts. The minister noted that infections are naturally higher in crowded urban environments. Most patients are currently recovering at home, with the illness behaving like any other fever manageable through medication and standard precautions.

The minister assured that primary health centres and government hospitals have adequate supplies of essential medicines, and procurement processes have been initiated for facilities needing additional stocks. He advised residents experiencing fever for two to three days to seek medical consultation and testing.

Khader confirmed that no H1N1 death has been officially verified in Karnataka so far. Audit committees are currently reviewing cases where patients with underlying health conditions died after testing positive for the virus.

Dismissing reports of an outbreak in a school, Khader clarified that only two teachers had tested positive and subsequently stayed away. The government plans to issue formal health advisories to schools. He also recommended that individuals displaying cold or fever symptoms isolate for a day or two and wear masks if going out. Furthermore, hotels have been directed to serve boiled or hot water, providing cold water only upon customer request.