Punjab is witnessing a spike in swine flu (H1N1) infections with 384 confirmed cases and five deaths in the last two months.
Rupnagar has recorded the highest number of confirmed deaths at two, while Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Kapurthala have reported one death each. Hospitals have also been asked to follow the prescribed categorisation of influenza cases and report influenza-like illness as well as confirmed H1N1/H3N2 cases to the respective civil surgeons. severe cases can develop complications such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties, particularly among people at higher risk of complications While many infections are mild. Category-C patients are those with severe symptoms or complications and are the group prioritised for testing under the state’s influenza surveillance guidelines. Amid the increase, the state health department has directed all government and private hospitals to establish dedicated flu corners for screening patients reporting influenza-like illness. The move is aimed at ensuring early identification, isolation and treatment of suspected patients.
Last year, the state reported seven confirmed H1N1 cases until September 30, with no deaths recorded. The latest health department data shows 2,101 Category-C suspected cases across the state, including 43 fresh suspected cases and seven new positive cases reported on September 22. Ludhiana has emerged as the worst-affected district, accounting for 777 Category-C suspected cases and 104 confirmed infections—the highest in the state. Patiala has reported 134 suspected and 53 confirmed cases, while SAS Nagar has recorded 144 suspected and 50 confirmed cases. Jalandhar has reported 126 suspected and 25 confirmed cases. Under the state’s 2026 influenza regulations, private laboratories and hospitals undertaking H1N1/H3N2 testing require approval from the health department.
