Ranchi, Aug 31: Jharkhand has stepped up preparedness against seasonal influenza amid rising cases of A H1N1 and H3N2 in several states, directing hospitals to identify isolation wards and intensify surveillance across the state.
The Health Department, however, clarified that no influenza infection has currently been confirmed in Jharkhand.
Following directions from the Union Health Ministry, the National Health Mission has asked all Civil Surgeons, medical colleges and District Surveillance Officers to remain alert and maintain continuous monitoring of influenza-like illnesses.
Under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) will be monitored daily, with regular reporting through the IHIP portal.
Testing facilities for influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 have been made available at RIMS, Ranchi and MGM, Jamshedpur.
All district hospitals and medical colleges have been directed to identify isolation wards with at least 10 beds for suspected and infected patients.
Hospitals have also been asked to maintain adequate stocks of PPE kits, N95 and triple-layer masks, VTM kits, essential medicines, oxygen equipment and ventilators.
Mandatory screening will be carried out for OPD patients reporting symptoms such as cold, cough and fever, as well as those suffering from SARI. Doctors and healthcare workers have been instructed to wear masks while screening and treating patients.
The department has also launched an awareness campaign on influenza symptoms, prevention and precautions. Elderly people, children up to five years of age, pregnant women and those suffering from serious chronic illnesses have been identified as particularly vulnerable groups.
The Health Department has advised people to wear masks in crowded places, cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, stay hydrated and maintain hand hygiene. People have also been advised against taking antibiotics without medical advice.
The state government’s 24-hour health helpline 104 can be used for medical advice, information on symptoms and details of government healthcare facilities.
People developing symptoms have been urged to contact their nearest Sadar Hospital or government healthcare facility without delay.
“No influenza infection has currently been confirmed in Jharkhand,” the Health Department said, while stressing that precautionary measures and public awareness can help prevent the spread of the infection.
The department said “all district hospitals and medical colleges” have been directed to identify isolation wards with at least 10 beds, as part of the state’s preparedness measures.
