Swine flu knocks on Himachal’s doors, MLA Anuradha Rana tests positive
Swine flu knocks on Himachal’s doors, MLA Anuradha Rana tests positive
Shimla, Sep 4,
Swine flu appears to be making a fresh comeback in Himachal Pradesh, with the seasonal viral illness beginning to put pressure on hospitals and even reaching the state’s political establishment. Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana has tested positive for H1N1, becoming the latest prominent person to contract the infection.
Rana, who was undergoing treatment at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, after developing viral symptoms, was discharged on Wednesday after her condition improved.
She subsequently informed people about her infection through social media and said doctors had advised her to remain in isolation for seven to 10 days. She also urged people to remain cautious as the infection spreads in the state.
The development comes amid reports of a spurt in viral and influenza-like illnesses being seen at government hospitals in the state. With warm and humid weather conditions prevailing, health authorities have sounded an alert and directed healthcare facilities to remain prepared for seasonal influenza and take necessary measures to contain its spread.
The issue also figured in the ongoing Assembly session. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, responding to questions on the spread of swine flu and the government’s preparedness, said health authorities had directed hospitals and health facilities across Himachal Pradesh to remain alert and take all necessary preventive and treatment measures.
At IGMC Shimla, authorities have already taken precautionary measures following the detection of H1N1 cases, including setting up an isolation facility and undertaking sampling of patients. Media reports have also highlighted increasing numbers of people reaching hospital outpatient departments with fever, cough, cold and other influenza-like symptoms, although not all such cases are turning out to be H1N1.
The latest development is particularly significant as Himachal has witnessed serious H1N1 outbreaks in the past. In 2019, the virus claimed at least 16 lives in the state by early February, with more than 100 laboratory-confirmed cases reported. The 2015 outbreak was also severe, with the state reporting 20 deaths by March that year.
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The recurrence of H1N1 cases has therefore revived concerns over whether the state could be heading towards another significant seasonal influenza wave. Health officials, however, have maintained that there is no need for panic, while stressing early testing and treatment, particularly for elderly people, children and those with underlying illnesses.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) continues to maintain technical guidelines for H1N1, including protocols for diagnosis, patient categorisation, home care, masking and clinical management.
With the monsoon still influencing weather conditions across Himachal, health authorities are now faced with the twin challenge of monitoring H1N1 and other seasonal viral infections, while preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed by a surge in patients.
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