The Health Department has issued an alert for Avian Influenza H9N2. After releasing an advisory, cases related to viral infections, fever, and cough with influenza-like symptoms are under surveillance. Frontline workers in the health department, including doctors and staff, have commenced vaccination. The department has procured nearly 500 vaccines and dispatched them to civic hospitals across the district, primarily in Ambala City, Cantt, and Mulana.
Medical personnel, including doctors and nursing officers, are being educated about the vaccine to bolster their immune systems for prevention. Staff members are being identified post-physician consultation. The vaccine is being administered to staff at the Civic Hospital’s vaccination room. Notably, the vaccine remains effective for approximately a year, shielding against flu infections by stimulating antibodies in the body.
The Health Department claims no reported cases of influenza in the district yet but is closely monitoring patients visiting outpatient departments. Reports concerning this issue are being sent to headquarters. Additionally, all oxygen plants in the district are operational. Ambala’s civic hospitals host six oxygen plants, with Ambala City housing a plant with a capacity of 1,200 liters per minute.
Other hospitals in Chawni, Narayangarh, Chaur Mastpur, and Poly Clinic have capacities of 1,000, 500, 100, and 500 liters per minute, respectively.The influenza virus largely affects children. Special attention is being paid to pediatric outpatient departments at civic hospitals.
Dr. Suresh Kansal at Chawni Civic Hospital’s Pediatric Specialist Unit confirmed no reported cases so far, attributing fever and cough instances to weather changes. Moreover, hospitals are well-stocked with medicines.About 500 influenza vaccines have been procured, but it’s not mandatory for all medical staff. Only relevant personnel are being vaccinated based on physician recommendations- Dr. Sunil Hari, Ambala District Epidemiologist.
