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Swine Flu Alert: 8 Test Positive in Jharkhand
29 Aug
Summary
- Eight individuals tested positive for H1N1 influenza.
- Health department issued an alert and advisory to officials.
- Hospitals are directed to prepare isolation wards and supplies.
The health department has issued an alert following confirmation that eight individuals have tested positive for H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu. This development has prompted a state-wide advisory to all district civil surgeons, medical colleges, and surveillance officials, urging them to maintain vigilance and prepare isolation wards.
Department officials reported that out of eleven samples examined at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, eight returned positive for the H1N1 virus. Cases of influenza A (H1N1) and H3N2 have also been noted in other states. Testing facilities for these strains are available at RIMS, Ranchi, and MGM, Jamshedpur.
Instructions have been given to designate isolation wards with at least 10 beds in district hospitals and medical colleges. Hospitals must ensure sufficient stocks of PPE kits, masks, essential medicines, oxygen equipment, and ventilators. Mandatory screening for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) will be conducted for patients visiting OPDs.
The advisory highlights that the elderly, children under five, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is actively monitoring ILI and SARI cases statewide.
