Jharkhand on alert over seasonal influenza; hospitals to set up isolation wards
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 31: The Jharkhand Health Department has stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures following a rise in…
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THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 31: The Jharkhand Health Department has stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures following a rise in cases of seasonal influenza, including Influenza A (H1N1) and H3N2, reported in several states across the country.
Health officials said no influenza infection has been confirmed in Jharkhand so far, but the state has intensified monitoring and preparedness as a precautionary measure.
Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Jharkhand, Shashi Prakash Jha, has directed all Civil Surgeons, medical colleges and District Surveillance Officers to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure continuous monitoring of influenza-like illnesses across the state.
Isolation wards with 10 beds planned
As part of the preparedness measures, all district hospitals and medical colleges have been directed to designate isolation wards with at least 10 beds for suspected and confirmed influenza patients.
Testing facilities for Influenza A (H1N1) and H3N2 have been made available at RIMS, Ranchi, and MGM Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur.
Hospitals have also been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of PPE kits, N95 masks, triple-layer masks, viral transport medium (VTM) kits, essential medicines, oxygen equipment and ventilators.
The department has directed hospitals to conduct screening of patients visiting outpatient departments with symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI).
Doctors and healthcare workers have been instructed to wear masks while screening such patients.
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Daily surveillance of ILI and SARI cases
Under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), daily monitoring of ILI and SARI cases is being carried out across Jharkhand.
State Surveillance Officer Dr Pradeep Kumar Singh is supervising the surveillance mechanism, with hospitals directed to regularly upload patient-related data on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.
Both government and private hospitals have been asked to ensure timely reporting so that any emerging pattern of influenza infection can be identified quickly.
Vulnerable groups advised to take extra care
The Health Department has identified elderly people, children below five years, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic serious illnesses as groups that may be more vulnerable to influenza-related complications.
The department has urged people to remain alert for symptoms including cold, cough and fever, particularly when symptoms are accompanied by breathing difficulties or other signs of severe respiratory infection.
State Nodal Officer for Information, Education and Communication (IEC), Dr Rahul Kishore Singh, said public awareness campaigns were being undertaken through information and educational material on influenza symptoms, prevention and precautions.
Health department issues prevention advisory
The department has advised people to take basic precautions to reduce the risk of infection. These include:
- Wearing masks in crowded places.
- Covering the mouth and nose with a handkerchief or cloth while coughing or sneezing.
- Maintaining adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
- Avoiding unnecessary handshakes.
- Not spitting in public places.
- Avoiding self-medication with antibiotics without medical advice.
- Washing hands regularly and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Officials have stressed that antibiotics should not be taken without a doctor’s advice, as influenza is a viral infection and indiscriminate use of antibiotics can be counterproductive.
24-hour health helpline available
The Health Department has appealed to people not to panic but to seek medical advice if influenza-like symptoms develop.
For health-related consultation, information about symptoms or details of government health facilities, people can contact the state government’s 24-hour health helpline at 104.
People developing concerning symptoms have also been advised to approach the nearest Sadar Hospital or government health facility without delay.
The state government’s preparedness measures are aimed at ensuring early detection, timely isolation and treatment while preventing the spread of seasonal influenza in Jharkhand.
