Health secretary tells officials to step up surveillance to contain measles spread
Thirty-seven ashramshala students were admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital in Jalgaon with measles-like symptoms. Of them, four have tested positive for the infection so far. Officials who attended the meeting said Dr Vinayak told them to track all students and implement home isolation and treatment as needed, particularly in the villages where the students resided.
"The health secretary reviewed the reports by district health departments and told officials to intensify the surveillance in talukas and villages where the students resided and would return to after Jalgaon collector declared a measles outbreak.
Their vaccination reports are to be examined too," Jalgaon district health officer Dr Sachin Bhayekar said.
The officer said standard measles vaccination guidelines typically targeted children up to five years old. "Given the age range of the affected students (6-15 years), govt will determine a separate vaccination plan for them," he said.
Dhule district health officer Dr Sachin Bodke said the ashramshala students hailed only from Shirpur taluka, and the teams reached the homes of more than 50 of the 89 students.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
"On Monday, one student with measles-like symptoms was admitted to GMCH, Dhule, while three others were admitted to the sub-district hospital. All are stable and recuperating. Besides, the students who have reached their homes are being monitored.
We are taking help of religious leaders, community leaders and sarpanch to carry out the vaccination of the children below 5 years of age and who might have missed any of the two doses," Dr Bodke said.
The major issue faced by health officials is about the migratory population in the remote villages of the taluka, who cross over to Madhya Pradesh and other districts in search of employment. Dr Ravindra Jadhav, Nandurbar district health officer, said, "The students were yet to reach homes from Jalgaon. All the students who come home will be screened for health conditions at primary health centres, after which those exhibiting symptoms will be treated.
The rest of the students will be kept under isolation at their homes."
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a rash and flu-like symptoms. It's spread through respiratory droplets and can be serious, even deadly, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Weekly Health Horoscope Predictions, August 03 to August 09, 2025: Tips for wellness and balance based on each zodiac sign
Aries All your aches and pains seem to vanish, giving you a fresh burst of energy. Your dedication to exercise and health routines is finally paying off. An ailment you've been suffering from shows signs of recovery. You may feel more alert, mentally at ease, and ready to engage in physical activities. A home remedy or advice followed recently appears to be effective. If you've been considering a new fitness regime, now is the perfect time. Your body responds well to the changes you're making—especially in diet and exercise. This could mark the beginning of a lasting healthy lifestyle. Keep it up! Taurus Health remains stable, and those who have recently adopted a new routine will begin to see positive effects. If you've been trying to get back in shape, your efforts are likely to succeed. You may become more conscious of your image and physical appearance. Minor ailments are under control, and you're likely to feel more energized throughout the day. Following health advice and sticking to a routine will help you stay fit. It's a good time to cut down on junk food and incorporate more physical activity. Continued focus on wellness will bring visible results—just stay disciplined and consistent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo Gemini Your health is in good shape, and you may feel more motivated than ever to improve your lifestyle. A friend's encouragement might inspire you to adopt healthier habits. Listening to wellness advice proves beneficial, especially if you've been planning to exercise or eat better. Those trying to get fit will start seeing progress. It's a good time to avoid late nights, especially if you're driving or have early commitments. Your active approach to health is commendable and will yield long-term results. Keep up the discipline—your physical and mental well-being are aligned right now. Cancer You're in a good health phase, thanks to your disciplined lifestyle. Healthy dietary habits are keeping you energetic and alert. Following a set routine brings mental peace and helps manage stress effectively. Adhering to your schedule—whether exercise, sleep, or meals—keeps both your mind and body balanced. Some of you might consider attending a religious or spiritual gathering, which will further boost your emotional well-being. If you've been recovering from a minor illness, expect steady improvement. Avoid outside food for now, as your body may be sensitive. Continue this momentum—your efforts are showing long-lasting benefits. Leo Your focus on fitness is finally yielding results. Some of you may rediscover the joy of exercising or take up a new physical activity that excites you. A home remedy may work wonders, steering you toward better health. Your energy levels remain high, but don't neglect small health issues—especially digestive concerns caused by poor diet or stress. Eating right and staying active are your best tools now. If you've been under the weather, signs of recovery are strong. The stars support your efforts to maintain overall well-being. Continue positive thinking, and you'll notice a significant boost in physical and mental health. Virgo Your health is in excellent shape, thanks to your consistent efforts. You're taking all the right precautions and following a disciplined routine. Exercise and a focus on diet are helping you stay fit and feel good. Junk food may tempt you, but you know better—resisting it now will pay off. Minor lifestyle improvements are bringing major benefits, both physically and mentally. If you've been struggling with a recurring issue, this is when things start improving. Avoid overexertion, but do stay active. Mental peace also improves, as your wellness routine brings clarity and confidence. Keep it going! Libra Your health remains steady, but now is a great time to focus more on emotional balance. While physically you may feel fine, stress could sneak in due to work or personal responsibilities. Meditation, walking, or light stretching will help calm your mind. Listen to your body's subtle signs and don't ignore fatigue or irregular sleep. Some of you might benefit from changing your diet—more hydration and natural foods will do wonders. Avoid overindulgence, especially in rich or processed foods. A balanced lifestyle will bring both mental clarity and physical energy. Small daily practices will make a long-term difference. Scorpio Your energy levels are fluctuating, so it's essential to strike a balance between rest and activity. Overworking may lead to fatigue or stress-related issues. Pay attention to your body—if it signals a need to slow down, listen. Incorporating yoga, breathing exercises, or a simple walk outdoors can recharge you. Some of you may face minor digestion or sleep troubles, which can be managed through a better routine and clean eating. Emotional stability is key—talking to a close friend or journaling may help release mental clutter. Stay hydrated and avoid stimulants late at night. Health improves with conscious daily effort. Sagittarius Your vitality is high, and this is a great time to get back into a fitness routine—or build one if you haven't already. Outdoor activities, hiking, or nature walks will do wonders for both your body and mind. However, avoid recklessness—overexertion or ignoring body signals could lead to minor injuries or fatigue. Try to balance your adventurous spirit with mindfulness. If you've been facing stress, creative outlets like art, music, or journaling may help bring emotional release. Prioritize hydration and a consistent sleep schedule. Your physical health thrives when you're mentally centered—maintain that alignment for overall well-being. Capricorn Your disciplined mindset benefits your health now. You're likely sticking to a consistent routine, which supports both physical and mental wellness. However, you may feel occasional stiffness, fatigue, or stress from work pressure—don't ignore it. Focus on posture, hydration, and taking regular breaks, especially if you have a desk job. Gentle exercises like stretching, walking, or swimming will help ease any tension. Emotional balance is equally important—talk to someone or unwind with calming music or meditation. Avoid skipping meals or sleep due to work overload. With a little mindfulness, you'll maintain both strength and stamina through the week. Aquarius Your mental energy is high, but your body may need extra care. You may be juggling too many things at once, leading to stress or tension headaches. Prioritize rest and try not to overthink. Mind-body balance is key right now—meditation, journaling, or even quiet walks can help bring clarity. Avoid screens late at night and get enough sleep to support your overall health. You might benefit from light cardio or a new wellness routine that includes creativity and flexibility. Keep an eye on hydration and dietary habits—small improvements go a long way. Emotional balance will uplift your physical state. Pisces You're entering a phase of emotional healing, and your body responds well to inner peace. Focus on calming practices—yoga, meditation, or time near water can help you restore balance. Fatigue may surface if you've been overextending yourself emotionally or mentally. Listen to your body and take rest when needed. Avoid sugar overload or emotional eating, as your sensitivity is heightened. Creative outlets like painting, music, or dance will also serve as powerful healing tools. This is a good week to reset your sleep cycle and simplify your wellness habits. Prioritize mental clarity and gentle self-care—it will uplift your overall vitality. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Cancer cure? Russia commences human trials of revolutionary personalized cancer vaccine
In a landmark advancement for oncology and personalized medicine, Russia's Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology—the creators of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine—announced this year that it will begin human clinical trials of the world's first personalized mRNA-based melanoma vaccine within the next few months. Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya Center, confirmed that this groundbreaking vaccine, tailored specifically to the genetic profile of individual patients' tumors, will start experimental administration as early as September-October 2025 in collaboration with leading Russian oncology institutions . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Cybersecurity CXO others Public Policy Healthcare Digital Marketing Degree MBA Artificial Intelligence Others PGDM Data Science Data Analytics Product Management MCA Operations Management Leadership Design Thinking Project Management Finance Management healthcare Technology Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details Q. What are melanoma cells by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo A. Melanoma cells come from melanocytes, the skin cells that give it color. When these cells grow too much and become cancerous, they cause melanoma, a dangerous kind of skin cancer that can spread fast if not treated early. Q. What is mRNA, and how is it used in vaccines? A. mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cell's protein-making machinery. It acts like a messenger, conveying the code needed to build specific proteins that perform various functions in the body. In vaccines, mRNA teaches cells to produce a harmless piece of a virus or cancer antigen, triggering the immune system to respond and protect the body. Live Events This novel cancer vaccine is designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack melanoma cells by creating a bespoke mRNA blueprint derived from each patient's unique tumor mutations. The process involves sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms that analyze the tumor's genetic data to produce a molecular template, which is then synthesized at Gamaleya's production facilities. This tailor-made mRNA encodes proteins that activate a targeted cytotoxic immune response, aiming not only to eradicate primary tumors but also to address metastatic cancer sites. Gintsburg elaborated that the entire vaccine development cycle—from tumor sequencing to vaccine production—can be completed within about one week due to AI-assisted mathematical modeling and neural network computing. This rapid manufacture represents a significant leap compared to typical timelines in personalized cancer therapies. Q. What is a personalized cancer vaccine? A. Personalized cancer vaccine is a tailored immunotherapy designed to train the patient's immune system to recognize and attack their specific cancer cells. It uses information from the patient's tumor genetics to create a unique vaccine that targets tumor-specific mutations, differing from general vaccines. The vaccine model was developed starting in mid-2022 and has already demonstrated promising efficacy in preclinical animal studies, showing the ability to suppress tumor growth and reduce metastasis. The upcoming Phase I clinical trials will take place at two of Russia's foremost oncology centers: the Hertsen Research Institute and the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology in Moscow. Importantly, this tailored vaccine is part of a wider Russian initiative to advance cancer treatment across various difficult-to-treat types, including pancreatic, kidney, and non-small-cell lung cancers. The Russian Ministry of Health classifies this vaccine development and approval under a new, specialized regulatory process recognizing its individualized nature, differing fundamentally from traditional drug registration. The state plans to provide this cancer vaccine free of charge to Russian citizens, with an estimated production cost of around 300,000 rubles (approx. USD 2,869) per dose covered by government funding. According to health authorities, about 4 million Russians live with cancer, and approximately 625,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, underlining the urgent need for innovative therapies. The vaccine's success could mark a pivotal moment in Russia's fight against cancer and elevate its personalized medicine program. Unlike the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines designed to target a single viral antigen, this personalized cancer vaccine encodes multiple neoantigens specific to each patient's tumor, offering a multi-targeted immune approach.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
After SC judgment, mental well being no longer charity but constitutional right: Experts
KOLKATA: Mental health activists and experts have welcomed the Supreme Court's explicit recognition of mental health as an integral part of the constitutional Right to Life under Article 21. They say this broadens the interpretation of the right to life to include psychological well-being, not just physical survival. The Supreme Court recognised the right to mental health as an integral component of the right to life under Article 21 while laying down binding guidelines for educational institutions and coaching centres across India. The observation was made in a case related to the death of a 17-year-old student undergoing coaching for the National Eligibility-cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination. The apex court set aside orders of the Andhra Pradesh High Court to allow the transfer of the investigation into the death under suspicious circumstances to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Mental health activist Ratnaboli Ray, who is the founder of Anjali, a rights-based organisation, said the apex court order moves mental health from the realm of welfare or charity into the domain of legal and constitutional rights. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Health: the best shoes to walk and stand all day Ultra-Comfortable Shoes Undo "This means that the state and institutions are no longer simply encouraged but obligated to ensure mental health protections as part of their duty under the Constitution," said Ray, a psychologist by training. Ray also pointed out that by issuing guidelines for students' welfare in the context of mental health, the court has acknowledged the growing mental health crisis in educational spaces—ranging from anxiety and depression to suicide. This makes schools and universities potentially accountable for creating psychologically safe environments. "The court order represents a cultural shift. When the Supreme Court validates mental health as a constitutional concern, it plays a critical role in destigmatising mental illness, legitimising lived experiences, and encouraging both care-seeking and policy action," she said. Advocate Arush Sengupta pointed out that embedding mental health under Article 21 makes it justiciable. "If someone's right to mental well-being is violated—for example, through institutional neglect, discrimination, or lack of access to care—they can now take legal recourse based on constitutional grounds. This also strengthens the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which already defines access to mental health services as a right, but until now lacked the direct constitutional force to ensure consistent and widespread enforcement," he said. Psychiatrist Aniruddha Deb felt the ruling has the potential to transform institutional accountability, public funding, and societal attitudes in India. "This is a landmark judgment. Till now, mental illness was perceived as a disability, a dysfunction and looked down upon. Treatment and care were neglected as were rights. People with mental illness were relegated to second-class citizens. They were even denied the right to vote. Being of unsound mind precluded them from holding any office. All that will change now. The moment you equate the right to mental health with the right to life, the whole observation changes," said Deb. Ray added that the moment demands bold, rights-affirming governance, not piecemeal or tokenistic gestures. "The judiciary has spoken. It is now the executive's responsibility to institutionalize this vision into everyday governance so that mental health is not only constitutionally protected, but meaningfully lived," she added. What SC judgment does * Broadens the interpretation of the right to life to include psychological well-being, not just physical survival * Moves mental health from the realm of welfare or charity into the domain of legal and constitutional rights. State and institutions are no longer simply encouraged but obligated to ensure mental health protections * Schools and universities potentially accountable for creating psychologically safe environments * Embedding mental health under Article 21 makes it justiciable. If someone's right to mental well-being is violated, they can now take legal recourse based on constitutional grounds * Strengthens the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, * To play a critical role in destigmatizing mental illness, legitimizing lived experiences, and encouraging care-seeking and policy action Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
