SL braces for possible influenza outbreak amid surge in Delhi

Colombo, October 2 (Daily Mirror) - Health authorities in Sri Lanka say they are closely monitoring the situation in India, where a spike in influenza cases—particularly the H3N2 strain—has been reported across northern regions, including the Delhi metropolitan area.

Northern India, home to nearly 46 million people in the Delhi conurbation, is witnessing a significant spread of influenza this autumn.

According to a recent survey by LocalCircles, 69% of households in the area currently have at least one person with flu-like symptoms. Indian doctors confirm that H3N2 is now the predominant influenza variant circulating in the region.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni assured the public that while Sri Lanka is prepared for any possible outbreak, the current situation is not alarming.

“This is not something to panic about. What we are seeing is seasonal influenza that typically presents with fever and a runny nose. Our health system is on alert, but there is no cause for undue concern at this stage,” Dr. Wijemuni said.

He further noted that influenza outbreaks of this nature tend to recur seasonally in the region, and Sri Lanka has robust preventive measures in place to handle any potential increase in cases.

Meanwhile, health experts in India continue to warn that the rising number of infections highlights the extensive circulation of the virus. Reports suggest that cases are also increasing in other states beyond Delhi.