Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Karnataka Officials Call H1N1 Rise Seasonal, Urge Precautions
Karnataka is seeing more flu cases during the rainy season.
Health officials say this kind of increase happens regularly.
The state recorded 4,212 confirmed influenza cases by August 22, 2026.
Many cases were reported in the Bengaluru area.
Health Minister U T Khader said people should not panic but should remain careful.
He said most people recover at home, while some need hospital care.
The government is checking cases and preparing medicines and protective equipment.
People should wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay away from others when sick.
The minister also said there are around 300 to 400 active cases, while separately stating that all 4,212 people who tested positive had recovered.
Karnataka health officials said the rise in H1N1 influenza is part of the regular monsoon-season surge, with peaks typically occurring from January to March and July to September.
The state recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza-positive cases across 32 districts through August 22, 2026, compared with 4,583 in 2025 and 3,903 in 2024.
MSU-Greater Bengaluru Authority reported 2,070 cases, followed by Bengaluru Urban with 1,011 and Udupi with 300.
Health Minister U T Khader said there was no need for panic, while reporting roughly 300 to 400 active cases, mostly in Bengaluru; his remarks also stated that all 4,212 positive patients had recovered.
Authorities said hospitals have medicines and supplies available or being procured, and advised masks, handwashing, respiratory hygiene, isolation when sick and testing if fever persists.
- Who
- The Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare, Health Minister U T Khader, healthcare facilities and the public.
- What
- Karnataka reported a seasonal increase in laboratory-confirmed H1N1 influenza cases and strengthened surveillance, treatment readiness and public-health precautions.
- When
- Through August 22, 2026; officials said influenza typically peaks from January to March and July to September.
- Where
- Across 32 districts of Karnataka, with the largest reported totals in MSU-Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru Urban and Udupi.
- Why
- Officials attributed the increase to the regular monsoon-season cycle and sought to limit transmission while preparing for any further rise in cases.
- Confirmed cases
- 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza-positive cases through August 22, 2026
- District coverage
- Cases were reported across 32 districts of Karnataka
- Largest reported total
- MSU-Greater Bengaluru Authority recorded 2,070 cases
- Other reported totals
- Bengaluru Urban recorded 1,011 cases and Udupi recorded 300
- Seasonal pattern
- Influenza generally peaks from January to March and July to September
- Preparedness supplies
- Facilities were advised to maintain PPE, N95 masks and Oseltamivir
- Reported active cases
- U T Khader said around 300 to 400 active cases remained, mostly in Bengaluru
