JAIPUR: Rajasthan agriculture minister Dr Kirori Lal Meena has been admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur after testing positive for swine flu (H1N1), doctors said.Meena was admitted to the hospital after he tested positive for the influenza virus. Doctors are monitoring his condition and providing treatment at the hospital.The development comes amid a rise in seasonal influenza cases in several parts of the country, with health authorities stepping up surveillance and preparedness measures.In Delhi, health minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Tuesday chaired an inter-sectoral meeting to review preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1, as well as dengue and malaria.Delhi has recorded 2,308 H1N1 cases and around 3,000 cumulative Influenza A and B cases so far in 2026, according to the Delhi government’s health department. H1N1 is currently the predominant influenza subtype in the national capital, while H3N2 was predominant last year.The Delhi government said it has strengthened influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection surveillance, along with early detection, testing of eligible cases and availability of antiviral medicines and other hospital logistics.Singh said there was no need for panic but stressed the need for continued vigilance, timely detection and treatment.“While there is no need for panic, continued vigilance is essential,” Singh said, directing officials to maintain adequate hospital preparedness, including medicines, testing facilities and other essential logistics.He also appealed to people to follow basic respiratory and hygiene precautions, avoid close contact when unwell and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or become severe.The H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, is a type of influenza virus that can cause symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and fatigue. Severe cases can lead to complications requiring hospitalisation, particularly among vulnerable groups.(With agency inputs)
