ICMR Confirms No New H1N1 Strain Circulating in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research stated on 23 August that Influenza A (H1N1) viruses circulating in the country belong to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like strain and that no novel variant has been identified.

ICMR said existing seasonal influenza vaccines provide sufficient coverage against the detected viruses. Cases continue to be reported across several states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, yet the agency emphasised that the situation does not warrant special alarm beyond routine public-health measures.

Influenza activity typically rises in certain seasons in India. The clarification follows media reports of rising swine-flu detections in six states. Laboratory surveillance networks under ICMR and state health departments have sequenced samples and matched them to the known pdm09 lineage.

Health officials recommend vaccination for high-risk groups, hand hygiene, and prompt medical attention for severe respiratory symptoms. No change has been made to the composition of the vaccines recommended for the current season.