Indian Council of Medical Research says no new H1N1 strain detected; urges no panic

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that no new strain of H1N1 has been identified in India and said there is no cause for panic, as influenza cases continue to be reported in the country, ANI reported on Sunday.

According to senior ICMR scientists, the Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses currently circulating in India belong to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain. The viruses belong to clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1, and have been in circulation since 2025.

The ICMR said the influenza strains currently circulating are well matched with vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere. Seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is mostly self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, cough, headache and body ache.


The clarification comes amid a rise in H1N1 cases in Delhi. A PTI report on Saturday said the national capital had recorded 2,602 influenza cases till Friday, including 1,777 H1N1 cases. On Thursday alone, Delhi reported 114 H1N1 cases.

The Delhi government had issued a health advisory on Saturday urging people to follow respiratory hygiene, avoid crowded places and seek timely medical advice. It advised people to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands regularly and wear masks in crowded places.

The Delhi health department had also said 35 hospitals were under special surveillance and two referral laboratories had been designated at AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control.

The ICMR said young children, elderly people and individuals with underlying medical conditions may be at greater risk of complications from seasonal influenza. It advised people to seek timely medical attention if symptoms persist, worsen or become severe.

The situation continues to be monitored through regular surveillance, with necessary public health measures being undertaken, the ICMR said.