Kerala issues revised Covid-19 guidelines, mandates mock drills as cases surge
All patients admitted with symptoms of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) must be tested for Covid-19. If Rapid Antigen Tests return negative, RT-PCR tests are mandatory. District RT-PCR facilities must be fully utilsed, the department stated.Covid-positive and influenza patients must be isolated in separate wards or rooms, to avoid cross-infection.MASK UP, STAY SAFEThe department has reinforced mask mandates, especially for high-risk individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Patients, their companions, hospital staff, and anyone with flu-like symptoms in relief camps must wear masks at all times.HOSPITALS TOLD TO LIMIT VISITORS, UPGRADE FACILITIESadvertisementTo reduce transmission, hospitals have been asked to limit the number of bystanders and visitors. Covid-19 testing must be conducted for any bystanders or health workers showing symptoms.Hospitals must also gear up infrastructure, ensuring sufficient supplies of oxygen, medicines, PPE (N-95 masks, gloves, aprons), oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, and ICU beds.PUBLIC AWARENESS AND SURVEILLANCEThe public is encouraged to follow basic preventive measures, mask usage, cough hygiene, and frequent handwashing, especially in crowded or public places.District Surveillance Units have been instructed to monitor ILI/ARI/SARI case trends and ensure IHIP-IDSP reporting from both government and private facilities.As Covid-19 looms again, authorities are urging both institutions and the public to act swiftly and responsibly.Tune InMust Watch
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The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Health Matters newsletter: The fate of the mRNA vaccine
On the U.S. halting mRNA vaccine contracts, setbacks in disease eradication, WHO health updates, lifestyle and nutrition research, advances in cancer care, environmental health risks and more The biggest story this week, not just in our neck of the woods, but globally is the U.S.'s position on mRNA vaccines .Why, because the United States, has over the years inveigled itself into a position of leadership in health care research and much of the research, worldwide, is led or funded or developed upon by scientists in that country. When Robert F. Kennedy Junior, a steady figure in our columns, decided to axe mRNA vaccine contracts, he cited safety concerns. The US will terminate 22 federal contracts for mRNA-based vaccines, questioning the safety of a technology that was actually credited with helping end the Covid pandemic and saving millions of lives. Tragically, Mr. Kennedy said: 'We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted.' The US health department's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority claimed the data shows these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu. Without further clarity, he said, the US would be 'shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.' In total, the affected projects are worth 'nearly $500 million,' the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said. Certain late-stage projects were excluded from the move 'to preserve prior taxpayer investment.' Meanwhile, in related news, health experts and lawyers worry that Mr. Kennedy's changes will reflect his history as a leader in the anti-vaccine movement, which has alternately called for abolishing the program or expanding it to cover unproven injuries and illnesses that aren't connected to vaccines. He has, for a while now, been vowing to 'fix' the federal programme for compensating Americans injured by vaccines, opening the door to sweeping changes for a system long targeted by anti-vaccine activists. 'Kennedy and other critics believe the programme is 'too miserly in what it considers to be a vaccine injury,' said Jason Schwartz, a public health expert at Yale University. 'That's created great concern that he could expand what's included.' Nearly every week we hear of the resurgence of an infectious disease, in parts of the world it had not emerged for decades. This article, World nearly beat polio but fake records, imperfect vaccine, missteps aided its comeback , is an important story recording what went wrong where. The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners embarked on their polio campaign in 1988 with the bold goal of eradication — a feat seen only once for human diseases, with smallpox in 1980. They came close several times, including in 2021, when just five cases of the natural virus were reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan. But since then, cases rebounded, hitting 99 last year, and officials have missed at least six self-imposed eradication deadlines. The AP, reported in a story that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was derailed by mismanagement and what insiders describe as blind allegiance to an outdated strategy and a problematic oral vaccine. If we talk infectious diseases, can TB be far behind? The WHO called for research scale-up towards ending TB in South-East Asia region which continues to bear nearly half of the global TB burden, accounting for the highest share of cases and deaths worldwide. Bindu Shajan Perappadan reports that the WHO updated COVID-19 guidelines: antibiotics advised only with suspected bacterial infection . For patients with mild or non-severe COVID-19 and low suspicion of bacterial infection, WHO strongly recommends against empirical antibiotic use. Here's another interesting development in the sector : Scientists identify how children develop immunity to bacterial infection, paving way for vaccine s The National Organ Transplant Organisation's advisory last week that Women, kin of deceased donors should get priority in organ transplant , s eems to have set the cat among the pigeons. While it's a laudable objective to make sure that the gender imbalance is corrected, there should be care taken to ensure that this won't create a backdoor opportunity for out-of-order allocations. Dr. Idayachandran N. tells you why it is essential to register to become an organ donor? Switching on to another column favourite - non communicable diseaes, Anirban Mukhopadhyay had a clarifying article on urbanisation has a prime role in contributing to the NCD epidemic: How migration to urban areas is expanding waistlines in India . In a recent analysis of over 31,000 adults aged 45 and above, researchers Bittu Mandal and Kalandi Charan Prasad at the Indian Institute of Technology, Indore report a strong link between rural-to-urban migration and obesity. The longer someone lives in a city, the more likely they are to carry excess weight—especially around the waist, the fat most tied to chronic disease. Migration, they suggest, is not just demographic—it's metabolic. R. Prasad writes on an experiment: eating 250 grams of mangoes instead of bread for breakfast led to improved glycaemic control in diabetics . One of the main reasons why participants in the treatment groups showed improved glycaemic control is because of the relatively less glycaemic index of mango compared with white bread. Food items with lower glycaemic index are less likely to significantly spike blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation. In addition, the fibre content in mangoes contributes to slower glucose absorption. Preeti Zachariah asks Jack Mosley, the author of Food Noise: How weight loss medications & smart nutrition can silence your craving these questions: Why is it becoming harder to lose weight? And should Ozempic step in where willpower fails ? Hit on the link to read more. Dr. Sameer Chaudhari looks at osteoporosis from a preventative aspect. Today, technology is so advanced that it is possible to rebuild bone strength even after osteoporosis has set in - something once thought impossible. Afshan Yasmeen threw light on a very key aspect of the mass IT layoffs of young professionals . She explains elaborately the impact that this is likely to have on their mental health, and those of their families. Sudheer Kumar Shukla's piece is an eye opener on how groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses in India. He recommends that a multi-sectoral approach be channeled to ensure that the water we drink is safe for consumption. The rare disease sector can also benefit from some creative multi-sectoral approaches. Geetha Srimathi S. outlines the plight of persons with rare diseases in India who struggle without sustainable access to drugs . The dimensions of the problem are so massive, that no single agency is likely to sort out the issue, and present sustainable, lasting solutions. August 18th is recognised as World Breast Cancer Research Day, and to mark the day, Serena Josephine M. writes on how Advances in breast cancer treatments bring in a range of benefits for patients . 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Do tune in on The Hindu's YouTube channel . In our explainers series, this week, here's all you need to know about E ctopic pregnancies - Zubeda Hamid writes Psoriasis - What are the causes and how do you treat the condition - R. Sujatha explains. What is the Cervical Pessary - Athira Elsa Johnsson writes. She also explains How ovarian health impacts the body beyond fertility Dr. K. Ganapathy explains how to recognise dangerous headaches . Dr. Tulika Seth brings to light advances in treatment for haemophilia to Prevent bleeds before they happen . Dr. J. D. Mukherji talks about what needs to change in order for multiple sclerosis to be properly diagnosed in India. If you have a few extra moments, also stop by at the following articles: Zubeda Hamid Science Quiz: On immunity Japan firm seeks approval for stem cell treatment for Parkinson's Lithium deficiency could lead to Alzheimer's , study suggests Pavlov's Nobel Prize-winning research on digestion and its lasting impact on physiology and neurobiology—-
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Will central government employees get arrears of 18 months of DA frozen during Covid 19? Here's what finance ministry says
During COVID-19, the central government froze three dearness allowance instalments. This decision aimed to ease pressure on public finances amid economic disruption. Member of Parliament Anand Bhadauria questioned the DA arrears. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is Dearness Allowance? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The time by which the government would release the arrears of 18 months DA/DR? The central government froze three instalments of dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing severe economic disruption and the need to ease pressure on public finances. Member of Parliament Anand Bhadauria raised questions regarding the DA arrears for central government employees during COVID-19, to which the government responded with its official stance in Lok Sabha on August 11, Allowance (DA) is a cost-of-living adjustment paid by the government to its employees and pensioners to help offset the impact of read: Last DA hike of 3% or 4% under 7th CPC in July 2025? Central government employees can get this much increase in dearness allowance Dearness Relief (DR) is an allowance paid to government pensioners to help them cope with rising prices, similar to Dearness Allowance (DA) for working Wealth Online breaks down the government's official response to below key government responded in Parliament: The decision to freeze three instalments of Dearness Allowance (DA) / Dearness Relief (DR) to Central Government employees / pensioners due from January 1, 2020, July 1, 2020 & January 1, 2021 was taken in the context of COVID-19, which caused economic disruption, so as to ease pressure on government government responded in Parliament: 'The fiscal deficit of the government of India has narrowed from 9.2 per cent in the Financial Year (FY) 2020-21 to 4.4 per cent in the FY 2025-26 (Budget Estimates).'The economic hit from COVID and extra welfare spending left no room in the budget to pay those delayed DA/DR government responded in Parliament: 'The adverse financial impact of pandemic in 2020 and the financing of welfare measures taken by the Government had a fiscal spill over beyond FY 2020-21. Therefore, arrears of DA/DR were not considered feasible.'
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Man Blames Covid Vaccine For Depression, Fires 180 Bullets At US Centre
New York: The man who attacked the CDC headquarters in Atlanta on Friday fired more than 180 shots into the campus and broke about 150 windows, with bullets piercing 'blast-resistant' windows and spattering glass shards into numerous rooms, according to information circulated internally at the agency. It may take weeks or even months to replace windows and clean up the damage, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention personnel said. A Georgia man who had blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal opened fire late Friday, killing a police officer. No one at CDC was injured. The shooter was stopped by CDC security guards before driving to a nearby pharmacy and opening fire late Friday afternoon, a law enforcement official has told the AP. The official wasn't authorized to publicly discuss the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity. The 30-year-old man, Mr Patrick Joseph White, later died, but authorities haven't said whether he was killed by police or killed himself. US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr toured the CDC campus on Monday. CDC security pointed out broken windows across multiple buildings, including the main guard booth, according to a US Department of Health and Human Services statement. HHS Deputy Secretary Mr Jim O'Neill and CDC Director Ms Susan Monarez accompanied him, according to the statement. Mr Kennedy also visited the DeKalb County Police Department, where he met with the police chief. Later. He also met privately with the widow of the fallen officer, Mr David Rose. Ms Monarez posted a statement on social media Friday night that said at least four CDC buildings were hit in the attack. We at @CDCgov are heartbroken by today's attack on our Roybal Campus, which remains on lockdown as authorities investigate the shooting. A courageous local law enforcement officer gave his life, and another was injured, after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings.… — CDC Director Susan Monarez (@CDCMonarez) August 9, 2025 The extent of the damage became clearer during a weekend CDC leadership meeting. Two CDC employees who were told about what was discussed at the meeting described details to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to reveal the information. Details were also in an agency memo seen by an AP reporter. Building 21, which houses Ms Monarez's office, was hit by the largest number of bullets. CDC officials did not say if her office was hit. CDC employees were advised to work from home this week. Mr Kennedy issued a statement Saturday that said 'no one should face violence while working to protect the health of others,' and that top federal health officials were 'actively supporting CDC staff." We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at CDC's Atlanta campus that took the life of officer David Rose. We stand with his wife and three children and the entire CDC family. We know how shaken our public health colleagues feel today. No one should face violence while… — Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) August 9, 2025 He did not speak to the media during his visit on Monday. In a call with the media on Monday night, some unionized CDC employees said they are calling for more heavily armed guards, bulletproof glass, a better alert system, and more extensive evacuation planning for disabled employees and other vulnerable staff. A retired CDC official, Mr Stephan Monroe, said he worried about the long-term impact the attack would have on young scientists' willingness to go to work for the government. 'I'm concerned that this is this is going to be a generational hit,' said Mr Monroe, speaking to a reporter near the corner where a poster had been set up in honor of Mr Rose. Mr Kennedy was a leader in a national anti-vaccine movement before President Donald Trump selected him to oversee federal health agencies, and he has made false and misleading statements about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 shots and other vaccines. Years of false rhetoric about vaccines and public health was bound to 'take a toll on people's mental health,' and 'leads to violence,' said Mr Tim Young, a CDC employee who retired in April. Dr Jerome Adams, the US surgeon general during President Donald Trump's first administration, said Sunday that health leaders should appreciate the weight of their words. 'We have to understand people are listening,' Mr Adams told 'Face the Nation' on CBS. 'When you make claims that have been proven false time and time again about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, that can cause unintended consequences.' CDC employees are now taking steps to become less visible, including not wearing their public health service uniform to work, said Ms Yolanda Jacobs, president of Local 2883 of the American Federation of Government Employees. She recalled when CDC employees were happy to be approached by neighbors or others with public health questions. 'Now it's at the point we're afraid to have those types of conversations with anybody, because we don't know who they are and we don't know what rhetoric they've ingested,' she said.
