Jharkhand has witnessed a sharp rise in cases of H1N1 swine flu infection. A total of 36 cases have been reported across the state in the past 30 days, including 18 children and adolescents.
The Health Department has put all major hospitals on alert and directed them to ensure prompt testing and treatment of suspected cases.
Modern testing facilities for H1N1 and H3N2 have been made available at RIMS in Ranchi and MGM in Jamshedpur, while medical college hospitals and Sadar hospitals have been directed to reserve additional beds.
The Health Department is also monitoring people returning to Jharkhand after interstate travel and seeking daily reports from the districts.
People experiencing symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat and body ache have been advised to consult a doctor immediately instead of self-medicating.