SWINE FLUE OUTBREAK CAUSES CONCERN

SWINE FLUE OUTBREAK CAUSES CONCERN

27-AUG-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------Swine flu (H1N1) has arrived in Bihar. Two patients in the capital, Patna, have tested positive for the virus. One of these patients is from the Kankarbagh area, while the other resides in the Agamkuan locality. Dozens of suspected cases were tested, and two returned positive results. Consequently, the Health Department has been put on alert. However, apart from Patna, preparedness to tackle swine flu in other districts of the state appears incomplete.

The government and the Health Department are on high alert due to the rising number of swine flu cases in Delhi. Meanwhile, an assessment of government hospitals in Bihar has revealed that, in many places, neither have separate isolation wards been set up nor is there an adequate stock of antiviral medicines available.

Health Department officials state that a high-level meeting regarding swine flu was held in Patna two days ago. Necessary preparations will commence in all hospitals once the advisory is issued shortly.

An inspection at the Jay Prakash Narayan Hospital in Gaya revealed that no formal instructions regarding swine flu have been received from the Health Department so far. The hospital administration stated that as soon as guidelines are received, a separate isolation ward for potential patients will be established, and the availability of medicines will be ensured. Currently, the hospital is treating only patients with common viral fever and other ailments.

Dr. Hemant Kumar, a physician at Jay Prakash Narayan Hospital, mentioned that approximately 200 patients visit the hospital's OPD daily. The number of viral fever patients has risen due to the change in weather; about 40 percent of the visiting patients are suffering from viral fever. He noted that symptoms such as headache, high fever, cough, chills, and body ache are common across various viral infections.

Based solely on these symptomsSwine flu cannot be confirmed without specific H1N1 testing. Currently, most patients are recovering within five to six days.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, the hospital's Deputy Superintendent, stated that no official advisory regarding swine flu has been received from the Bihar Health Department so far. Guidelines are expected soon following a meeting held in Patna. He mentioned that the relevant hospital departments have been instructed to remain alert. Once the directives are received, a separate ward will be prepared for potential swine flu patients, and a stock of antiviral medicines will be made available.

According to Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, no suspected cases of swine flu have been reported at Jay Prakash Narayan Hospital so far; only patients with common flu and viral infections are seeking treatment. There has also been no significant rise in the number of patients suffering from pneumonia or severe respiratory distress.

Doctors have urged the public not to panic about swine flu, though caution is necessary. Key preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals, washing hands regularly, maintaining hygiene, and covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing. Anyone experiencing persistent high fever, a cough, or breathing difficulties should consult a doctor immediately.