Bhagalpur: The detection of two Covid-19 cases and a rise in patients reporting prolonged flu-like symptoms have put the Bhagalpur health department on alert. More than 100 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) have been reported at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH) over the past two months, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and testing.Bhagalpur civil surgeon Dr Ashok Prasad said the district administration was on alert following the detection of Covid-19 cases and the increase in patients with flu-like symptoms. He added that hospitals across the district had been asked to monitor admissions closely and issue public health advisories.The two Covid-positive patients were confirmed through RT-PCR tests and are currently undergoing treatment in the ICU isolation ward at JLNMCH. Health officials are closely monitoring cases of persistent fever, cough and other symptoms resembling Covid-19 to prevent any further spread.JLNMCH’s medicine department has begun compiling data on patients with prolonged flu-like symptoms and conducting Long Covid Symptom Frequency Analysis (LCSFA) to aid early detection and treatment.Head of the medicine department, Dr Rajkamal Chaudhary, said 102 patients with ILI symptoms had been reported at the hospital in the last two months, including the two Covid-positive cases.According to hospital data, 38 patients reported fever lasting more than 21 days, while 34 suffered from severe cough for over two weeks. As many as 41 patients experienced severe ILI symptoms beyond 14 days. Other symptoms included severe lethargy in six patients, confusion in six and severe muscle cramps in eight.Doctors said affected patients commonly reported persistent fever, body aches, prolonged cough and throat infections, symptoms similar to those seen in Covid-19. Young children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions or asthma are considered most vulnerable.The health department has directed government hospitals and primary health centres to ensure adequate RT-PCR testing, prioritise treatment for vulnerable groups and maintain sufficient stocks of medicines.Meanwhile, district health teams have launched ring surveillance around the residences of the two Covid-positive patients, including in Laluchak and nearby areas. Officials are collecting samples from hundreds of households within a 5-km radius to identify additional Covid-19 or ILI cases.
Attachment
Attachment
