Jharkhand News : The Jharkhand Health Department has gone on alert amid rising cases of Influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 reported in several states across the country. On Saturday, Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari and National Health Mission, Jharkhand Campaign Director Shashi Prakash Jha directed officials to strengthen continuous surveillance, testing and treatment arrangements across the state.
According to the Health Department, no case of influenza infection has been confirmed in Jharkhand so far. However, surveillance has been intensified in all districts as a precaution against possible infections.
The Campaign Director has directed all civil surgeons, medical colleges and district surveillance officers to remain vigilant. They have also been asked to regularly monitor cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI).
ILI and SARI Cases Under Regular Surveillance
According to the department, daily monitoring of ILI and SARI cases is being carried out under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Officials have also been directed to ensure regular reporting of the relevant data on the IHIP portal. The system is aimed at detecting any possible infection at an early stage and taking necessary action in time.
H1N1 and H3N2 Testing Available at RIMS and MGM
Testing facilities for H1N1 and H3N2 are available at RIMS, Ranchi, and MGM Hospital, Jamshedpur.
The department has also directed all district hospitals and medical colleges to identify separate isolation wards with at least 10 beds.
Hospitals Asked to Maintain Adequate Medical Supplies
The Health Department has instructed hospitals to ensure adequate availability of essential medical resources. These include PPE kits, N95 and triple-layer masks, VTM kits, essential medicines, oxygen equipment and ventilators.
Patients visiting hospital OPDs with symptoms such as cold, cough, fever and severe respiratory infection will be screened.
The department has advised special monitoring and attention for elderly people, children up to five years of age, pregnant women and those suffering from serious chronic diseases.
Public Advised to Take Precautions
The Health Department has appealed to people to wear masks in crowded places and cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. People have also been advised to consume sufficient fluids.
The department has advised people not to take antibiotics without medical consultation.
For health-related advice, people have been urged to use the 104 helpline. The department said the situation is being continuously monitored and further steps will be taken as required.
