Surendra Soren
Ranchi
Cases of H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, are being reported from different parts of Jharkhand. So far, eight samples collected from suspected patients have tested positive for H1N1 infection.
Despite the reported increase in cases, the state Health Department has not yet issued an official statement. Dr Manoj Kumar, head of the Microbiology Department at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, confirmed that several samples tested at his department had been found positive for H1N1.
According to Health Department sources, several people in Ranchi have also reportedly contracted the virus. An RIMS microbiology doctor and his son are among those reported to have tested positive. Some students staying in a hostel have also reportedly been infected, while patients with swine flu are said to have been admitted to a private hospital in Ranchi.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Health Department has gone on high alert over the H1N1 situation. Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari reviewed the situation across the state on Saturday, August 29, and directed all civil surgeons, medical college superintendents and principals, and district surveillance officers to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure continuous monitoring.
The minister said all necessary preparations were being made to deal with any potential situation, from early identification and testing of suspected patients to treatment and referral when required. He also directed officials to strengthen surveillance and reporting of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases across the state.
The minister further directed RIMS, Ranchi, all medical college hospitals and Sadar hospitals to reserve an additional 10 beds for patients requiring treatment.
Health officials have also been instructed to maintain special vigilance at airports, railway stations, bus stands and other major public places. The department has emphasised early identification of suspected and severe cases so that patients can receive timely medical care.
