Latest news with #BabitaKamalapurkar
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Covid 19 this year: Over 100 cases in Pune, 500 in Mumbai
Maharashtra has so far reported a total of 873 Covid-19 cases, of which more than 100 are in Pune, while close to 500 are in Mumbai. While a district-wise analysis is underway at the health department, officials said they were following strict guidelines issued by the Union government and not testing everyone for SARS-CoV2 virus. This year, ten deaths have been reported till date. 'We are testing samples of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and 5 percent of those with Influenza-like Illness (ILI),' Dr Babita Kamalapurkar, joint director of health, Maharashtra told The Indian Express. In Pune, health authorities said that overall, there were 108 cases of Covid-19. A total of 12,011 samples suspected of Covid-19 have been screened, of which 873 have tested positive. Of these, 369 persons have recovered. On Monday, the state health department logged in 59 new cases of which 20 were from Mumbai, four from Thane, one from Pune rural areas, 17 from Pune Municipal Corporation areas, two each from Pimpri Chinchwad, Satara, Kolhapur, one from Sangli and eight from Sambhajinagar. A circular was also issued on Monday by the public health department secretaries Nipun Vinayak and Virendra Singh, instructing district surveillance units to closely monitor the SARI/ILI cases. Samples that have tested positive for Covid-19 will be sent to the regional Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories for whole genome sequencing. A clear message has been relayed in the circular that advises elderly persons and those with co-morbid conditions to avoid large gatherings or alternatively wear a face mask. There has been seasonal upswings and a slow but steady rise in acute respiratory infections across the country, health officials said. More than 90 per cent cases are from Kerala, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Covid cases, according to officials, largely have mild symptoms like fever, cough and sore throat. However, health authorities have now advised medical colleges and hospitals and corporations to ensure preparedness that includes adequate number of hospital ward and ICU beds, PSA plants and also conduct mock drills.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Maharashtra has 52 active Covid cases, but no need to panic
Maharashtra has stepped up surveillance for identifying Covid-19 cases. From January till date, the state health department has reported 106 Covid-19 positive cases and two deaths. Of these 101 are from Mumbai. On Tuesday, the health department reported 19 Covid cases of which 15 are from Mumbai, three from Kolhapur and one from Pune. Health authorities in Pune said one person, who had been confirmed positive, recovered a while ago. Presently there are 52 confirmed Covid positive patients and are recovering at home. Sixteen patients have been hospitalised. Dr Babita Kamalapurkar, joint director of health, Maharashtra, said the patients have mild symptoms. Mumbai has seen a spike in cases. However, people have been urged not to panic and ensure they take appropriate measures like maintaining hygiene. Those with comorbid conditions should take further care, Dr Kamalapurkar said. Meanwhile, samples will be sent to B J Medical College and National Institute of Virology for genome sequencing.
Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Maharashtra reports 70 heat stroke cases, 3 suspected deaths since March 1
With the increased frequency and intensity of extreme heat, Maharashtra has reported 70 cases of heat stroke and three suspected deaths from March 1 to April 23 this year. The deaths in Nagpur have to be confirmed due to heat stroke, but the increasing heatwave-like conditions have led the health officials to yet again appeal to people to stay vigilant. According to the World Health Organisation, heat stress is the leading cause of weather-related deaths and can exacerbate underlying illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health, and asthma, and can increase the risk of accidents and transmission of some infectious diseases. Heat stroke is a medical emergency with a high-case fatality rate, and as per data from the state health department, there were 11 heat stroke cases from Yavatmal, nine from Buldhana, and eight from Nagpur. Five cases each of heat stroke were registered from Jalna, Gadchiroli, and Parbhani, four from Dhule, three from Palghar, two each from Kolhapur, Latur, Nanded, Nashik, Raigad, and Wardha, and one each from Pune, Thane, Washim, Sangli, Osmanabad, Amravati, Aurangabad, and Chandrapur. Experts with the health department said that they have repeatedly issued advisories as awareness among the public remains insufficient about the health risks posed by heat. 'Special emergency treatment units have been set up at primary health centers and other health institutions. Public alerts and warnings regarding heat waves are issued periodically. Medical officers at district and municipal levels have received training on heatstroke management,' Dr Babita Kamalapurkar, Joint Director of Health, said. Health officials have urged citizens to avoid direct sun exposure, refrain from going outside between 11 am and 4 pm, and avoid over-exertion and dark and thick clothing, as black or dark-coloured clothes absorb more heat. 'Stay away from soft drinks, soda, and alcohol as they can dehydrate your body, and even if you are not very hungry, eat light meals regularly,' said an officer. If experiencing excessive sweating, consume Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), sugar-salt water, or buttermilk. People with medical conditions should take extra precautions and seek medical advice if necessary, the officer further added.
