Jharkhand issues H1N1 alert after eight swine flu cases detected

Jharkhand has issued an alert after eight people tested positive for H1N1 influenza. The advisory focuses on hospital preparedness and early screening while officials rule out panic.The health department said cases of influenza A (H1N1) and H3N2 seasonal influenza have been reported in several states, including Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.The Jharkhand health department has issued an alert after at least eight people tested positive for H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, an official said on Saturday. The department has asked civil surgeons, medical colleges and district surveillance officials to stay vigilant, screen suspected cases and keep isolation wards ready at hospitals.State National Health Mission director Shashi Prakash Jha said the move was precautionary and aimed at raising awareness. "There is no panic situation so far. The alert has been issued only to spread awareness among common people and take up precautionary measures in advance," he said.Jha also appealed to people to take even a normal fever seriously and seek proper medical treatment. According to an official, 11 samples were tested at Ranchi’s Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, of which eight were found positive for the H1N1 virus.The health department said cases of influenza A (H1N1) and H3N2 seasonal influenza have been reported in several states, including Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, daily monitoring of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections across the state is being ensured, along with reporting on the IHIP portal, the department said in a release.Testing facilities for influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 have been made available at RIMS in Ranchi and MGM in Jamshedpur. "Instructions have been issued to designate an isolation ward with at least 10 beds in all district hospitals and medical colleges for the treatment of suspected and infected patients," the release said. Hospitals have also been directed to ensure adequate arrangements for PPE kits, masks, triple-layer masks, essential medicines, oxygen equipment and ventilators. The release added that mandatory screening will be carried out for patients visiting hospital outpatient departments with symptoms of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections.According to the advisory, elderly people, children up to the age of five, pregnant women and individuals with serious chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to the infection and need special care. The alert, the department said, is aimed at preparedness, early screening and treatment as H1N1 cases have been detected in the state.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 29, 2026 16:55 IST