Patiala, Aug. 23 -- Amid a rise in H1N1 (swine flu) cases in several parts of the country, Punjab has recorded 93 confirmed infections since late July, with the majority reported in Ludhiana, the state's most populous district.

The figure is sharply higher than last year, when the state had recorded only seven swine flu cases up to the end of September 2025, according to Union health ministry data.

Describing the infections as part of the seasonal influenza pattern, Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday said only some patients had so far required hospitalisation.

"It is like seasonal influenza. Cases are on the rise throughout the country and Punjab is no exception. We have already established isolation wards in government...