Jalandhar’s H1N1 situation has seen a further rise, with the district recording 17 cumulative positive cases till September 15, according to the latest health department update.
While no new positive case was reported on Tuesday, the number of cumulative positive cases has increased from the 11 cases reported earlier. The district has recorded 109 suspected cases cumulatively, while three patients are currently admitted for treatment.
Three patients currently admitted
As per the September 15 H1N1 report, one patient is currently admitted at Civil Hospital Jalandhar, while two patients are undergoing treatment at DMC Ludhiana.
The latest update comes amid increased surveillance in the district after health officials reported a rise in H1N1 activity following several years of relatively low case numbers.
One suspected H1N1-related death earlier
Earlier, health officials had reported one suspected H1N1-related death in Jalandhar. The deceased had tested positive for Swine Flu, but officials clarified that the exact cause of death could not be confirmed.
The patient was around 85 years old and had other health-related factors, making it difficult to establish that H1N1 infection alone had caused the death.
Hospital strengthens arrangements
The rise in cases has prompted the Civil Hospital to strengthen its arrangements for suspected and confirmed H1N1 patients.
A 14-bed ward for suspected H1N1 cases has been set up on the second floor of the trauma centre. The hospital has also established a dedicated Flu Corner for patients reporting symptoms such as cough and cold, aimed at reducing crowding in the regular OPD.
A four-bed isolation ward is also operational, while six additional beds have been kept available on the ground floor of the trauma centre if the number of patients increases.
Contact tracing and testing underway
The Health Department is continuing contact tracing in areas where positive cases have been detected. Samples requiring confirmation are being sent to government laboratories, including testing facilities in Amritsar.
Officials are also monitoring suspected cases and people who have come in contact with confirmed patients, particularly those considered more vulnerable or critically ill.
Precautions advised
Health officials have advised residents to follow basic precautions, including regular handwashing, sanitising frequently touched surfaces and avoiding crowded places where possible.
People have also been advised to wear masks, particularly in situations where maintaining distance from others is difficult.
With 17 positive cases, 109 suspected cases and three patients currently admitted, health officials continue to monitor the H1N1 situation in Jalandhar and are keeping additional treatment and isolation facilities ready in case the number of cases rises further.
