20 ‘jaundice' cases reported from 4 city localities
1
2
Bhubaneswar: At least 20 suspected jaundice cases have been reported from four localities in the city, with authorities also trying to contain the spread of dengue. The urban metropolitan surveillance unit (UMSU), formed at Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters with a nodal officer in the rank of additional director of public health, is monitoring the situation.
"Blood samples have been collected based on symptoms. After reports come, we will be able to confirm whether they are jaundice cases," said a BMC officer. "The cases have been reported from Badagada, Uparasahi, Karuna Basti and Kalinga Basti," he added.
At three locations, awareness campaigns were held to sensitise residents on the use of clean water. They were educated on how to flag concerns based on symptoms and avoid transmission and asked to take preventive steps.
"We are fully alert and prepared. Multiple surveillance teams are working to ensure early detection of cases," the officer said.
City health officer Deepak Bisoyi said so far 35 dengue cases have been detected. In view of incessant rain, chemical fogging to kill larvae and mosquitoes has not started. However, 220 workers have been engaged to destroy mosquito breeding sources. "This year, the dengue spread is slow.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Live by the Beach at Sunteck's 2/3BHK Homes starts @₹98L+
Sunteck Realty
Learn More
Undo
But cases have been detected a bit early because the monsoon arrived before the normal date," Bisoyi added.
"BMC has been observing every Friday as 'dry day' to carry out mosquito source destruction exercises in various wards," he said. "Stagnant water sources at the big, colony, mini and neighbourhood parks in the city become mosquito breeding ground that people often fail to notice," Bisoyi said.
Officials said many people who go to the parks between 4 pm and 5 pm and early morning (before sunrise) get bitten by the Aedes mosquito, which causes dengue.
The city has 77 colony (neighbourhood) and 64 big parks that contribute to the green cover. They are also hangout places, fitness centres, places for thinkers and poets, playing areas for children, and relaxing platforms for the elderly. But after some people claimed they contracted dengue after sitting in parks, these places have come under scrutiny.
BMC said various govt and private offices and schools have been directed to inspect mosquito breeding sources and destroy them. There are open stockyards in offices and schools, which have abandoned items that turn into places for mosquito breeding, officials said.
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
How to use rice-water aloe vera pack for Korean Glass Skin
Achieving the 'glass skin' look—skin that appears smooth, hydrated, and naturally radiant—doesn't always require high-end products. Simple, natural remedies like a rice-water and aloe vera face pack can support skin health when used consistently and correctly. Rice water is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. It helps in brightening the skin, tightening pores, and improving overall texture. Meanwhile, aloe vera has calming and moisturizing properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated or sensitive skin and supporting the skin barrier. Dr. Shraddha Deshpande, Consultant Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, says, 'To make the pack at home, soak about two tablespoons of raw rice in water for 3–4 hours, strain the water, and mix it with a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to clean skin, leave it on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. This blend hydrates, evens skin tone, and gives your skin a soft glow. Use it 2–3 times a week as part of a consistent skincare routine.' While such natural remedies can support healthy skin, they are not a substitute for medical treatments in case of persistent skin concerns. And like with any topical product—natural or not—doing a patch test is important, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. 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 Also remember, achieving long-term skin glow involves more than just external treatments. Adequate sleep, hydration, a balanced diet, sun protection, and gentle skincare practices all play crucial roles. This rice water and aloe vera pack is a great example of how traditional ingredients can complement modern skincare, offering a gentle and accessible way to maintain radiant, healthy skin. How to get perfect Korean glass skin with natural ingredients One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Blending tradition with reinvention: In age of AI, yoga straddles spiritual & corporate worlds
As the world rolls out its mats for International Day of Yoga on Saturday, the ancient practice continues to evolve, blending tradition with reinvention. In Hyderabad, this shift is clear, with people increasingly embracing yoga for mental clarity, physical strength, or, more often, a combination of both. Rooted in breathwork, meditation, and self-awareness, yoga today has also become a go-to workout for strength, fl exibility, and stress relief. 'In the beginning, I turned to yoga just to manage my back pain,' said G Surekha, 47, a practitioner from Ameerpet. 'My friends suggested power yoga. I focused on the stretches, and it worked wonders for my posture.' Over time, she was drawn to deeper practices like pranayama and meditation. 'I realised it's not just about sitting still. Breathwork helped calm my mind and changed the way I handle emotions.' Such transitions are common, say experts. 'Modern yoga often starts with asanas, but the real goal is mental clarity,' said Dr A Malathi Syamala, superintendent at the state-run Nature Cure Hospital and director of the Vemana Yoga Research Institute. 'Dynamic routines like vinyasa or power yoga attract beginners, but ideally, they should progress toward traditional practices that foster inner awareness.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Budget-Friendly Bedroom Makeover Guide SearchMore Learn More Undo The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, especially among the youth. 'They began recognising the importance of breath and mental health,' said Janardhan Durga Prasad, director of Bodhi School of Yoga. 'Younger people chase results through postures like headstands and splits, while older individuals prefer meditation and slow breathing. But Covid united both groups. Now, we often see over 100 participants per batch. ' While traditional hatha yoga includes just 32 postures, social media has exploded the range. 'Instagram is driving creativity in form,' said Prasad. 'People now see yoga not just spiritually, but scientifi cally—it's about improving physical standards.' There's no one-size-fi ts-all approach, instructors note. 'Some come for pain relief, others for peace or self-growth,' said Nishanth Babu Vasireddy, a teacher with 17 years of experience. 'What matters is whether it enriches your life. At its core, yoga is a science of the mind.' Even hybrid forms like beer or water yoga have their takers. 'If they spark awareness and consistency, they still serve a purpose,' he added. Experts also stress early exposure. 'We shouldn't wait till children are 17 or 18,' said Dr Malathi. 'Simple postures and mudras boost focus and memory. Diet education must also be included.' In today's distracted world, they say, modern yoga spreads awareness, but traditional yoga remains the path to true transformation.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Living Will tells a tale
Hundreds of poor families opt for end-of-life directives; rising medical costs a key factor Ancy has taken steps to ensure her children would never have to face a similar dilemma. She is now among nearly 400 people in Kerala who have prepared a ' Living Will ' Ancy Sunny's greatest regret in life is that she could not ease the agonising pain her mother endured in her final days. Her mother, a lung cancer patient, was barely alive despite receiving the best available treatment. Time and again, she pleaded with Ancy to let her die peacefully by stopping all treatments. A decade ago, however, honouring such a wish would have been unthinkable. 'Back then, pulling the plug would've been considered murder,' says Ancy, who hails from Eravipuram in Kollam district. Not only did her mother suffer through painful chemotherapy and other procedures, Ancy was also left with a heavy financial burden. That experience pushed Ancy to take steps to ensure her children would never have to face a similar dilemma. She is now among nearly 400 people in Kerala who have prepared a 'Living Will'—a legal document that allows individuals to specify the kind of medical treatment they wish to receive, or forgo, should they be diagnosed with a terminal illness and become unable to make decisions themselves. The initiative gained momentum after a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that declared the right to die with dignity a fundamental right. 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 It laid down guidelines for the creation of Living Wills or Advance Medical Directives. Ancy completed hers at Parippally Medical College Hospital, which became the first government hospital in the state to set up a dedicated counter to help people draft these documents. Alappuzha Medical College Hospital is now preparing to follow suit. The response has been very good so far. But unlike in Western countries—where Living Wills are more common among the educated upper middle class—Kerala's experience shows that it is mostly the poor who are signing up, mainly because of the sheer absence of adequate medical cover. Of those who have completed the process, nearly 90% are from the unorganised sector: Daily-wage labourers, fishermen, and semi-skilled workers. A few are retired govt staff and medical professionals. Ancy's husband, Sijo Thankachan, is a fisherman, and the family simply cannot afford exorbitant medical bills. 'I don't want my daughters to suffer financially or emotionally like I did with my mother,' says Ancy. Her Living Will names her two daughters as surrogates to make end-of-life decisions on her behalf. The document clearly states that she does not wish to be put on a ventilator or receive CPR, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or intravenous nutrition if she is diagnosed with an irreversible, terminal illness. Copies of the Will are with her daughters and the Kollam Municipal Corporation, while the original is kept at home. In Paravur, 57 members of the Thodiyil family—part of a 140-member joint family—have also prepared Living Wills. Their decision came after two family members fell into debt while caring for terminally ill relatives. Dr IP Yadav, palliative care nodal officer at Parippally Medical College, says, 'Most people who access this service come from poor or middle-class backgrounds. But we hope this will change as awareness spreads through community events.' Of the 16 people who recently collected forms at Alappuzha Medical College, nine were BPL cardholders. The process is straightforward: Individuals collect a form from the hospital counter, sign it in the presence of two witnesses and two designated surrogates, and have it attested by a gazetted officer or notary. Even then, withdrawing life-support treatment is not immediate. 'Two separate medical boards—a primary and a secondary panel—must independently verify the patient's condition and approve the decision to stop treatment,' says Yadav. Alappuzha-based social activist Chandradas K has submitted a proposal to the local self-govt department to set up Living Will counters at all local bodies. He cited the controversy following the death of veteran communist leader MM Lawrence, whose family fought over funeral decisions. 'That incident alone shows why legal clarity is essential,' says Chandradas. However, concerns about misuse persist. Indian Medical Association national convener Dr Sulphi Noohu warns that loopholes in the system could be exploited. 'We can't deny someone ventilator support unless it's medically justified. Some patients recover with timely intervention,' he cautions. 'Scientific evaluation is crucial.' Nonetheless, proponents argue that the new law empowers individuals to make personal health choices before they lose that capacity. 'The essence of the Living Will is control,' said Dr B Padmakumar, principal of Parippally Medical College. 'It allows people to take a decision today for a situation when they might not be able to do so. It reduces unnecessary medical expenses, prevents family conflicts, and ensures peace of mind for everyone involved.' Noble Gracious, executive director of the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization, sees another advantage: The potential to boost organ donation. 'Living Wills can lead to more timely identification of donors, potentially saving hundreds of lives,' he says. But Gracious also acknowledges the challenges. 'Implementation will be the real test.' He cites a 2020 state govt order directing hospitals to certify brain death in accident cases to promote organ donation—a directive that has seen poor compliance. 'Hospitals often profit from treating terminally ill patients, leading to potential conflicts of interest. Unlike in Europe, where universal healthcare removes financial incentives, Indian hospitals can prolong treatment for revenue,' he points out.
