PROMOTING INFLUENZA VACCINATION: INSIGHTS FROM INFLUENZA (H1N1) OUTBREAK IN JHARKHAND

Background and Objectives: Influenza virus is a typical human pathogen causing serious respiratory illness resulting in significant mortality. In the recent years, increase in number of confirmed cases of influenza virus infection has occurred in different districts of Jharkhand. Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus emerged in 2009 and caused pandemic with high morbidity and mortality in India and worldwide. In Jharkhand, influenza virus infection remains an important health issue, since vaccination is not universal. Aim & objective: The study was conducted at Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Department of Microbiology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, during January 2019- February 2020. Materials and Methods: Samples of clinically suspected cases of influenza-like illness received in the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, RIMS, Ranchi, from January 2019 to February 2020 were included in the study. Results: During the study period, a total of 150 samples from clinically suspected cases of influenza like illness belonging to Category C as per case definition were received for testing. Of these 150 samples, 23 samples tested positive for influenza A. Of total suspected cases (150), 58 were females and 92 were males. Conclusion: Active surveillance is required from time to time to timely diagnose the disease and manage the complications and take necessary steps to control them.