Ludhiana, Sept 18: Swine flu cases have registered a steady increase across the state, with confirmed H1N1 infections reaching three hundred forty-seven alongside over nineteen hundred suspected Category-C cases recorded since January. Health department data indicates that Ludhiana accounts for the largest share, reporting nearly thirty-nine percent of total suspected incidents and ninety-five confirmed cases.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh affirmed that the public should remain calm, stating that medical facilities are fully equipped to manage testing and care. He declared that higher atmospheric moisture during this season typically accelerates viral transmission, though most cases remain mild and rarely require hospital admission. The minister maintained that vulnerable populations, including elderly citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying conditions, should avoid crowded areas to minimize infection risks.
Clinical guidelines clarify that Category-C status denotes severe influenza symptoms such as breathing difficulty, low blood pressure, or chest pain requiring immediate hospital evaluation. Officials confirmed that two fatalities have been recorded this year, one each in Ludhiana and Jalandhar. The health administration continues to monitor district-wise trends while ensuring adequate medical supplies and isolation wards remain operational.
