📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Vanesa Rojo de la Vega
Health
ICMR confirms no new H1N1 strain in India, urges calm
✍️ Asianet Newsable
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 11:19 PM
👁 2
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that no new H1N1 influenza strain has been identified in the country, dismissing rumours of an emerging threat.
New Delhi – The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued a statement on Monday refuting reports that a novel H1N1 influenza strain has been detected in India. According to the agency, all recent samples tested across its network of laboratories have matched the existing seasonal H1N1 virus, with no genetic mutations indicating a new variant.
ICMR officials emphasized that the current surveillance system remains robust and that the public health response continues to focus on vaccination, early detection, and treatment of influenza cases. They added that there is no evidence of increased severity or transmissibility associated with the circulating strains.
Health experts welcomed the clarification, urging citizens to rely on official updates rather than speculation. The agency also reminded the public to maintain routine preventive measures, such as hand hygiene and timely flu vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups.
The statement comes amid heightened social media chatter about a possible "new flu wave," which the ICMR says is unfounded. Authorities will continue to monitor influenza activity closely and will issue alerts if any significant changes are observed.
For now, the health ministry advises the public to stay calm and follow standard health guidelines while the surveillance continues.
ICMR officials emphasized that the current surveillance system remains robust and that the public health response continues to focus on vaccination, early detection, and treatment of influenza cases. They added that there is no evidence of increased severity or transmissibility associated with the circulating strains.
Health experts welcomed the clarification, urging citizens to rely on official updates rather than speculation. The agency also reminded the public to maintain routine preventive measures, such as hand hygiene and timely flu vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups.
The statement comes amid heightened social media chatter about a possible "new flu wave," which the ICMR says is unfounded. Authorities will continue to monitor influenza activity closely and will issue alerts if any significant changes are observed.
For now, the health ministry advises the public to stay calm and follow standard health guidelines while the surveillance continues.