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Health
ICMR Confirms No New H1N1 Variant Detected in Recent Surveillance
✍️ Telangana Today
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 11:03 PM
👁 3
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced that recent testing has not uncovered any new strain of the H1N1 influenza virus.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued a statement today confirming that its latest virological surveillance has not identified any novel H1N1 influenza strain in the country. Samples collected from hospitals and sentinel sites across several states were examined using standard genetic sequencing methods, and the results showed only the previously circulating seasonal variants.
ICMR highlighted that continuous monitoring of influenza viruses remains a priority, especially after the 2009 pandemic and subsequent sporadic outbreaks. The agency routinely shares its findings with the World Health Organization and national health authorities to guide vaccine formulation and public‑health measures.
Health officials urged the public to continue routine preventive practices such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and timely vaccination against seasonal flu. They added that the absence of a new H1N1 strain does not diminish the need for vigilance, as influenza viruses can evolve rapidly.
The council assured that surveillance activities will persist, with expanded sampling during the upcoming monsoon season to detect any future changes in the virus’s genetic makeup.
ICMR highlighted that continuous monitoring of influenza viruses remains a priority, especially after the 2009 pandemic and subsequent sporadic outbreaks. The agency routinely shares its findings with the World Health Organization and national health authorities to guide vaccine formulation and public‑health measures.
Health officials urged the public to continue routine preventive practices such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and timely vaccination against seasonal flu. They added that the absence of a new H1N1 strain does not diminish the need for vigilance, as influenza viruses can evolve rapidly.
The council assured that surveillance activities will persist, with expanded sampling during the upcoming monsoon season to detect any future changes in the virus’s genetic makeup.