Ranchi: The health department has stepped up surveillance for seasonal influenza after eight of the 11 samples tested at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) this month returned positive for H1N1 (swine flu) or H3N2 (influenza A), translating into a positivity rate of 72.72%.No influenza-related death has been reported in the state so far.Health minister Irfan Ansari reviewed the situation on Saturday and directed civil surgeons, medical college authorities and district surveillance officers to strengthen screening and preparedness for respiratory illnesses. “From identification of suspected patients to testing, treatment and referral, all necessary arrangements are being strengthened. Our priority is to ensure timely treatment,” Ansari said.All district hospitals and medical colleges have been told to earmark at least 10 isolation beds for suspected and confirmed patients. Rims in Ranchi and MGM Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur have facilities to test samples for H1N1 and H3N2.Hospitals have also been directed to maintain adequate stocks of N95 and triple-layer masks, PPE kits, viral transport medium (VTM) kits, medicines, oxygen equipment and ventilators. Outpatient departments have been asked to screen patients for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), while healthcare workers have been advised to wear masks.Under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, ILI and SARI cases are being monitored across districts and reported daily through the Integrated Health Information platform. Surveillance has also been intensified at airports, railway stations, bus stands and other crowded places.Data released by Rims on Saturday showed that 26 samples were tested for H1N1 and H3N2 between Jan and Aug. All eight positive cases were detected this month.“The hospital is alert and closely monitoring patients with influenza-like symptoms. Testing is being conducted wherever required, and arrangements are in place to manage suspected cases,” Rims public relations officer Shishir Kumar said.Ranchi Sadar Hospital has prepared a 10-bed isolation ward. Civil surgeon Amarendra Prasad said patients reporting symptoms such as cold, fever, weakness and loose motion were being assessed, and suspected cases would be isolated if required.Doctors have advised elderly people, children below five years, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses to take extra precautions and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms.
