Health authorities in Sri Lanka say they are closely monitoring the influenza situation in India, where cases—particularly of the H3N2 subtype—have been rising in northern regions, including the Delhi metropolitan area.
Delhi, home to nearly 46 million people, is experiencing a significant spread of influenza this autumn. A recent LocalCircles survey found that 69% of households in the region currently have at least one member showing flu-like symptoms.
Indian doctors confirm that H3N2 has become the dominant influenza strain circulating in the area, with reports indicating an increase in cases across several other states as well.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijeyumuni reassured the public that Sri Lanka is well-prepared:
“This is nothing to worry about. What we are seeing is seasonal influenza, which usually causes fever and a runny nose. Our health system is on high alert. But there is no cause for undue concern at this stage.”
He added that such outbreaks are seasonal in nature and recur across the region, stressing that Sri Lanka has robust preventive measures in place to respond to any surge in cases.
Meanwhile, Indian health experts caution that the sharp increase in infections suggests a wider spread of the virus, raising concerns of further transmission in the coming weeks.
