BREAKING! H5N1 Human Outbreak Reported In Ranchi In Jharkhand State-India With 6 Individuals And 2 Doctors Quarantined In A Makeshift Bird Flu Ward!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Apr 28, 2024 2 weeks, 20 hours, 17 minutes ago
H5N1 News: In recent alarming developments, Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand state in India, has been gripped by a sudden outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu in a various poultry farms in the last few weeks. This outbreak has possibly led to six staff members from the Regional Poultry Farm in Hotwar, Ranchi being infected with the H5N1 virus and possibly human-to-human transmissions has materialized as two doctors treating these 6 patients at the JSIA (Jharkhand Small Industries Association) building in Ranchi have also developed symptoms. Local authorities have converted the JSIA building into a temporary bid flu ward and are quarantining all eight individuals to contain the spread. However, contact tracing is currently being conducted as the 8 individuals had been in contact in others in the last 48 hours.
H5N1 Human Outbreak Reported In Ranchi In Jharkhand State-India
The World Health Organization has been informed of the development and are in the midst of sending teams over to assist local Indian doctors and scientists.
The alarming situation has prompted swift actions from local authorities and healthcare experts to contain the spread of the virus and protect public health.
News is emerging that Indian authorities are planning to place the city of Ranchi into a lockdown the next few hours pending details and data of genomic sequencing being conducted by the ICMR.
Outbreak Details
The Regional Poultry Farm in Hotwar, Ranchi, became the epicenter of the bird flu outbreak, resulting in the quarantine of medical personnel and staff directly involved with poultry management. The infected individuals were immediately isolated and placed under observation at the JSIA building in Ranchi, which was swiftly converted into a bird flu ward to handle the emerging crisis effectively.
The outbreak has been covered by numerous local
H5N1 News coverages and the outbreak was brought the attention tof Thailand Medical News by a twitter account holder listed below.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/bird-flu-outbreak-in-jharkhand-2-doctors-6-others-quarantined-in-ranchi/articleshow/109660365.cms
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/jharkhand-two-doctors-six-others-quarantined-amid-bird-flu-outbreak-in-ranchi20240428094956/
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/2920249-jharkhand-two-doctors-six-others-quarantined-amid-bird-flu-outbreak-in-ranchi
itter.com/pradhyu78651514/status/1784505416430604466">https://twitter.com/pradhyu78651514/status/1784505416430604466
Response Measures
The Ministry of Animal Husbandry swiftly responded to the outbreak by implementing stringent measures aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. One of the primary actions taken was a complete ban on the sale and purchase of all birds within a one-kilometer radius of the outbreak epicenter. This proactive step aimed to prevent further transmission of the virus through infected birds or poultry products.
Additionally, a comprehensive survey was initiated around the affected area to assess the extent of the outbreak and identify potential sources of infection. The district administration, in collaboration with various agencies including the District Animal Husbandry Office, Municipal Corporation, Police, and Magistrate, formed a unified task force to execute containment strategies and ensure public safety.
Disposal and Clean-Up Operations
To mitigate the risk of further contamination, disposal operations were carried out promptly. Approximately 1,745 chickens, 450 ducks, and 1,697 eggs were disposed of under the directives of the District Collector. This disposal was part of a broader strategy to eliminate potential reservoirs of the H5N1 virus and prevent its spread to other poultry or humans.
Furthermore, a Rapid Response Team (RRT) was mobilized by the Animal Husbandry Directorate, Ranchi, to conduct culling of poultry and undertake thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures within a one-kilometer radius of the outbreak zone. These measures were crucial in containing the outbreak at its source and reducing the risk of further infections.
Understanding H5N1 Avian Influenza
H5N1, classified as Highly Pathogenic Asian Avian Influenza, is a potent strain of the influenza virus primarily affecting birds. However, it can also infect humans, especially through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. The transmission dynamics of H5N1 underscore the importance of swift and decisive action to prevent its spread and protect human health.
Medical Response and Quarantine Protocols
Medical experts from Ranchi swiftly responded to the outbreak by collecting samples from infected individuals. The quarantine protocols implemented at the JSIA building ensured that those potentially exposed to the virus were isolated and monitored closely for any signs of illness. This proactive approach aimed to prevent further transmission within the healthcare facility and the broader community.
Public Awareness and Precautionary Measures
In the wake of the bird flu outbreak, public awareness campaigns were launched to educate communities about the risks associated with avian influenza and the importance of taking precautionary measures. Advisories were disseminated through newspapers and other media channels to inform the public about the ban on bird sales and purchases and the need for vigilance in handling poultry products.
Conclusion
The bird flu outbreak in Ranchi, Jharkhand, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by zoonotic diseases and the critical importance of rapid response and containment measures. The coordinated efforts of healthcare authorities, government agencies, and the public are essential in mitigating such outbreaks and safeguarding public health. As the situation continues to evolve, ongoing vigilance and adherence to preventive protocols remain paramount in controlling the spread of infectious diseases like H5N1 avian influenza.
Thailand
Medical News will be providing more updates on the unfolding situation in India.
UPDATES:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/updates-on-h5n1-outbreak-in-ranchi-india-latest-media-report-claim-that-all-eight-individuals-tested-negative-for-h5n1-cover-up
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H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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