Bengaluru: Karnataka has been seeing a steady rise in seasonal influenza cases, according to the latest data released by health department under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Minister UT Khader chaired a meeting Monday to review measures to control seasonal viral fevers and other communicable diseases.The state reported 2,056 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases between Jan and the second week of July, with a sharp rise in recent months. After recording 242 influenza cases in April, Karnataka saw the number climb to 383 in May and 414 in June, the highest monthly count so far this year.During the corresponding period in 2025, the state reported 234 cases in April, 95 in May and 125 in June, indicating that this year’s monsoon build-up has been much sharper. By July second week, Karnataka already recorded 324 cases, compared with 383 during the whole of July 2025.Health officials noted Karnataka typically experiences two seasonal influenza peaks every year — the first between Jan and March and the second, often larger, during July to Sept monsoon period. “The spike in the last few months is because of weather patterns. Cases may rise further over the next two months, but we have ramped up our preparedness,” said Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey, principal secretary, health department.The department has directed districts to strengthen influenza surveillance, ensure adequate sample collection and laboratory consumables, and maintain sufficient stocks of Oseltamivir, personal protective equipment (PPE) and N95 masks. Hospitals have been asked to keep ventilators ready for severe influenza cases and intensify public awareness campaigns on cough etiquette, hand hygiene, mask use and the importance of seeking early medical care for flu-like symptoms.
