Jharkhand health department sounds alert after 8 persons tested positive for swine flu
In an advisory issued to all civil surgeons, medical colleges and district surveillance officials, the department asked them to remain vigilant, screen suspected cases and keep isolation wards ready at hospitals
The Jharkhand Health Department issued an alert on August 29, 2026, after eight individuals tested positive for H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu, an official announced. The department issued an advisory to civil surgeons, medical colleges, and district surveillance officials, urging them to remain vigilant, screen suspected cases, and prepare isolation wards in hospitals.
NHM director Shashi Prakash Jha emphasized that the alert was to raise awareness and encourage precautionary measures, not to instill panic. He advised people to treat even minor fevers seriously and seek appropriate medical care. Out of 11 tested samples, eight at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi confirmed the H1N1 virus.
Cases of both influenza A (H1N1) and H3N2 seasonal influenza have been reported in various states, including Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme ensures daily monitoring of ILI and SARI cases across the state, with testing facilities available at RIMS, Ranchi, and MGM, Jamshedpur.
The department has instructed district hospitals and medical colleges to prepare isolation wards with at least 10 beds each, ensuring adequate supplies of PPE kits, masks, triple-layer masks, essential medicines, oxygen equipment, and ventilators. Special attention is required for the elderly, children under five, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
