As H1N1 Flu virus claimed three lives in Jharkhand, medical services have been put on alert especially at crucial entry points to filter out a potential carrier of the deadly virus more popularly known as swine flu. Screening centres have been set up at Ranchi Railway station and Birsa Munda Airport to identify inbound suspects and isolate them to prevent the outbreak of the disease.
Notably, the two deaths-one at Ranchi and two at Jamshedpur-were reported and in each case the deceased came in contact with the deadly strain of H1N1 during their stay at different parts of the country. One screening centre has been set up near the exit point at Ranchi Railway station where one doctor and a medical staff has been stationed to screen people arriving from different parts of the country. Railway officials are assisting medical staffs by asking a traveller to report to the screening centre in case of symptoms related to swine flu infection. Similarly, one screening centre has been set up at Ranchi's Birsa Munda Airport to trace infected patients returning to the State.
"People are coming forward to get themselves examined. Those even suffering from common cold and seasonal flu are coming to us to get examined. In the absence of any symptoms of H1N1 we are advising them to exercise caution," said Dr Ashok Kumar of Sadar Hospital who has been deputed at Railway Station.
Notwithstanding the deaths reported in Ranchi, the situation appeared less than alarming and no fresh case of infection has been reported in the capital as suggested by the empty isolation ward at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences. The administration claims to be equipped with sufficient medicines to address cases brought to the premier medical institution.
"We have all the medicines and required infrastructure to take care of patients. There is an isolation ward for suspects and patients tested positive," said Director RIMS, SK Chaudhary. However, the Director RIMS admitted that the only hurdle in timely treatment is the absence of a lab in the State and the swabs collected are sent to Kolkata to medical examination which delays treatment. Therefore, preventive measures remains only hope to beat the infection.