Health authorities in Sri Lanka are closely monitoring the influenza situation in India, where a significant rise in 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 experiencing a notable spread of influenza this autumn. A recent survey by LocalCircles found that 69% of households in the area currently have at least one person with flu-like symptoms, with H3N2 confirmed by doctors as the predominant circulating strain.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni reassured the public that Sri Lanka is prepared for any potential outbreak, but 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,” he said.
Dr. Wijemuni added that influenza outbreaks of this nature tend to recur seasonally, and Sri Lanka has robust preventive measures in place to manage any increase in cases. Meanwhile, health experts in India continue to warn that rising infections indicate extensive circulation of the virus, with cases reportedly increasing in other states beyond Delhi.
