Monsoon fuels rise in flu cases; Karnataka health department strengthens surveillance

Karnataka reported 2,056 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases between January and the second week of July, with a sharp rise in recent months.

Cases increased from 242 in April to 383 in May and 414 in June, the highest monthly count so far this year in Karnataka.

Karnataka health department under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) strengthened surveillance and directed districts to ensure adequate sample collection and Oseltamivir, PPE, and N95 mask stocks.

Minister UT Khader chaired a meeting Monday to review measures to control seasonal viral fevers and other communicable diseases.

Hospitals were asked to keep ventilators ready for severe influenza cases and intensify public awareness campaigns on cough etiquette, hand hygiene, and mask use.