The Jharkhand Health Department on Saturday (August 29, 2026) sounded an alert after at least eight people tested positive for H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, an official said.
Cases of influenza A (H1N1) and H3N2 seasonal influenza have been reported in several states, including Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Mr. Jha appealed to people to take even a normal fever seriously and seek proper medical treatment. Mandatory screening will be conducted for patients visiting hospital OPDs with symptoms of ILI and SAR, it added.
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, he said. Under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), daily monitoring of ILI (influenza-like illness) and SARI (severe acute respiratory infections) cases across the state and reporting on the IHIP portal are being ensured, a release of the health department said. “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. The elderly, children up to the age of five, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from serious chronic illnesses are more susceptible to this infection and require special care, according to the health department’s advisory.
