Jamshedpur: With swine flu (H1N1) cases being reported from several parts of the country, the East Singhbhum health authorities have stepped up preparedness for the timely detection and treatment of infections.The authorities directed all govt and private healthcare facilities to keep dedicated isolation wards ready for suspected and confirmed H1N1 patients.District surveillance officer Dr Asad said on Wednesday that hospitals, community health centres (CHCs), primary health centres (PHCs) and nursing homes had been asked to immediately report every confirmed case to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).“Healthcare facilities have also been instructed to prioritise severe pneumonitis cases and provide details of the number of beds that can be reserved for H1N1 patients,” he said.The health department has issued an advisory asking residents to follow precautions similar to those adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic. These include maintaining hygiene, wearing a mask when symptomatic and avoiding unnecessary exposure in crowded places.“People experiencing cough, cold or high fever should seek medical advice without delay and wear surgical masks to prevent transmission,” Dr Asad said.Officials have also advised residents to exercise caution during the upcoming festive season, when markets are expected to see heavy footfall and travel is likely to increase. Students returning home from cities such as Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai have been asked to take necessary precautions.No H1N1 case has been reported in East Singhbhum this year so far. The district, however, has recorded sporadic infections in the past. One case was recorded in 2009. Three cases, including two deaths, were reported in 2015, while eight infections were detected in 2022.
