Chennai, Aug. 24 -- Amid concerns over the rising number of H1N1 influenza cases in several cities, former World Health Organisation (WHO) Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan has informed that the current increase in H1N1 cases is a seasonal influenza uptick and there is no cause for panic, as no new strain has been detected.

In an exclusive interview with ANI on Sunday on the ICMR report of no new virus circulating, Dr Swaminathan said that influenza cases usually increase during the monsoon season in India and continue into winter, adding that improved surveillance systems have helped in identifying circulating viruses more effectively.

"I think what we're seeing is a seasonal influenza uptick. We see this every year. The doctors fe...