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The Star
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Johor sees drop in dengue cases, rise in HFMD
JOHOR BARU: Johor recorded a decline in dengue cases with 147 cases in epidemiological week 19 (ME19) from 171 cases the previous week. State health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said of the 147 cases, 50 (34%) were epidemic locality cases and 97 (66%) were non-epidemic locality cases. 'The cumulative cases for ME19 (May 3 to 9) also declined, at 2,446 compared to 6,328 cases in the corresponding period last year," he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 13). He said Johor Baru district has the highest number of cases with 113 (76.9.%), followed by Kulai with 14 (9.5%), Muar and Kota Tinggi with five cases each (3.4%). They were followed by Segamat and Batu Pahat with three cases (2%) each, and Mersing, Tangkak and Kluang with one case (0.7%) each. 'There were no cases recorded in Pontian," he said. He also noted that Kulai, Muar and Kota Tinggi saw an increase in cases from ME18 to ME19. He said four dengue-related deaths have occurred in the state to date, against eight for the whole of last year. Ling said 2,508 notices for a total of RM1.25mil were issued this year to date, with 69% of the offenders settling their fines. On a related matter, he said hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) incidences in Johor had exceeded the alert level since early this year and showed a greater frequency than the last two years. Ling said 1,964 cases were recorded in ME19 against 1,687 in ME18, an increase of 16.4%, bringing the cumulative HFMD cases this year to date to 13,415. He said the majority of those affected were children aged below six (10,773 cases, 80.3%), followed by those between seven and 12 years (2,269 cases, 16.9%), with the remaining patients aged 13 and above. 'There were seven HFMD clusters in ME19, bringing the total cumulative clusters to 86 involving 30 kindergartens, 21 pre-schools, 15 childcare centres, a primary school and a private residential area. He also reminded operators of early education institutions to take precautionary measures to minimise the risk of infection. 'Practise and observe high standards of hygiene and immediately report to the District Health Department in case HFMD is detected on the grounds," he said.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Johor sees rise in HFMD since January
JOHOR BARU: Johor has seen an increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) beginning January this year compared with 2023 and 2024. State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said there were 1,6867 cases in epidemiology week 18 (EW18) against 1,441 cases in EW17. 'This represented a 17.1% increase, bringing the cumulative cases of the HFMD to 11,551 cases to date,'' he said in a statement. Ling said the majority of those affected were children aged below six years old with 9,396 cases (81.3%), followed by children between seven and 12 years, with 1,853 cases (16%) and the remaining children aged 13 years and above. He said there were HMFD clusters in EW18, bringing the total cumulative HMFD clusters to 79, at 39 kindergartens, 20 pre-schools, 18 childcare centres, a primary school and a private residential. 'Some 400 cases were detected from 3,202 individuals exposed to the disease,'' added Ling. He also reminded the operators of the educational institutions catering for children to take precautionary measures to minimise the risk of infection among children. 'Practice high standards of hygiene and immediately report to the District Health Department in case the HFMD is detected at the premises,'' said Ling.
Business Standard
29-04-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Reckitt Unveils First-of-its-Kind Art Installation in Bhavnagar to Raise Awareness on Vector-Borne Diseases
BusinessWire India Bhavnagar (Gujarat) [India], April 29: To mark World Malaria Day 2025, Reckitt, a leading global consumer health and hygiene company, through its 'Self Care for New Moms and Kids Under Five' program, with support of Government of Gujarat and District Health Department, Bhavnagar, reaffirmed its commitment to combat malaria, dengue and other vector-borne diseases. A first-of-its-kind public installation spotlighting this year's World Malaria Day theme, "Malaria Ends with Us - Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite". This installation was curated by renowned Indian sculptor Dr. Bibhuti Adhikary, who is also celebrated for his groundbreaking creation, the World's First Innovative Rolling Painting. This public installation, themed "Malaria Ends with Us - Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite" will go a long way as a reminder to invest in prevention of malaria, dengue and other vector borne diseases. The installation is made from 100% recycled and recyclable materials, in light with the issues of climate change. The aim is to bring the community in the state of Gujarat to actively invest their time in awareness activities and reignite a movement to see India Malaria-Free by 2030, aligning with nation's purpose. Supported by the brand Mortein under Reckitt, the sculpture is inspired by Louie the Mosquito, the face of Mortein since 1957. Crafted from MS Rods and scrap metal, the sculpture features three large mosquito figures resting on pillars adorned with citronella grass and marigold flowers, both natural mosquito repellents. A key design element includes dynamic lighting that changes based on local malaria trends: green colour indicates low risk, orange colour signals alerts, and red colour warns of severe outbreaks. An integrated LED screen continuously displays key messages on "Know, Act, and Control" for malaria because awareness of malaria is prevention of malaria. This feature provides clear information and encourages public participation in malaria prevention and control. This sculpture is installed in India at Sir Takhtasinhji Hospital and Government Medical College, Bhavnagar. The installation draws inspiration from various art installations across the world that have been set up to generate awareness on critical issues, such as "The Water Tank Project" in New York City to highlight global water crises and "The Umbrella Project" in Portugal to raise awareness about mental health, among many others. Implemented by Plan India, in partnership with the National Health Mission, and the District Health Department, this initiative seeks to empower communities with knowledge and encourage proactive measures to prevent vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. The ceremony was graced by Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Hon'ble Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, along with Shri Bharatbhai Barad, Mayor, Bhavnagar Municpal Corporation (BMC), Bhavnagar; Dr. Narander Kumar Meena, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, BMC, Bhavnagar; Shri Rajubhai Rabadiya, Chairman, Standing Committee, BMC, Bhavnagar; Dr. Chandramani Kumar, Chief District Health Officer, Bhavnagar; Dr. Chinmay Shah, Medical Superintendent (District Government Hospital) and renowned artist Dr. Bibhuti Adhikary. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in India with 2 million estimated malaria cases in 2023, according to the World Malaria Report 2024. World Malaria Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to invest in prevention, empower communities, and strengthen our health systems. The newly unveiled 18-foot-tall mosquito sculpture stands as a striking symbol of hope and action. Nimuben Bambhaniya, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, said, "On the occasion of World Malaria Day, I am pleased to have inaugurated the striking mosquito sculpture at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital and Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, in collaboration with Reckitt and Plan India. This powerful installation serves as an important reminder of the need for public health awareness. I appreciate the efforts of the 'Self-Care for New Moms and Kids Under 5' initiative and all the teams involved for their dedication to this cause." Rajubhai Rabadiya, Chairman, Standing Committee, Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhavnagar, said, "On the occasion of World Malaria Day, Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, from Bhavnagar Nagar Palika, inaugurated a mosquito sculpture at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital and Government Medical College. On behalf of Bhavnagar Nagar Palika, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for the installation of the sculpture provided by Reckitt and Plan India. During the function, Shri Bharatbhai Barad, Mayor of Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, along with Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya's team, the Plan India team, and all of us were present. This sculpture not only enhances the beauty of the hospital premises but also plays a significant role in raising public awareness. Congratulations and best wishes to the entire team involved in this commendable initiative." Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt, South Asia, said, "At Reckitt, we firmly believe that change begins with empowering people at the grassroots. Through our 'Self-Care for New Moms and Kids Under Five' program, we are combining innovation with community-led action to equip families with the right knowledge and tools to stay protected from malaria. Aligned with this year's World Malaria Day theme, 'Malaria Ends with Us - Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite', our efforts focus on prevention, education, and collaboration. We are grateful to the Government of Gujarat for their support in this mission. Each step we take today strengthens the foundation of a healthier, more resilient India - and brings us closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047." This initiative supports WHO's global efforts to re-energize action towards malaria elimination by promoting grassroots education and awareness. The program includes health education on malaria symptoms and prevention by Community Health Workers (CHWs), alongside partnerships with local health departments to boost testing and surveillance. Leveraging innovative tools such as the "Malaria Suraksha Chakra" and custom-designed school kits, the campaign emphasized the role of behavior change communication (BCC) in preventing mosquito-borne illnesses. Reckitt's installation represents a pioneering fusion of public health and public art, transforming a public space into a hub of education, engagement, and innovation. It stands not just as a work of art, but as a beacon of hope--signaling Bhavnagar's leadership in creative health interventions and inspiring similar efforts across India and the world.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health team raids ‘filthy' ice cream factory in Hambran
1 2 3 Ludhiana: Acting on a complaint of unhygienic conditions in an ice cream factory in Hambran, a health department team raided the unit on Wednesday and found a lack of cleanliness there. The health department officials said that, acting on the directions of Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh and under the leadership of Dr Ramandeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, the District Health Department's Food Safety Team carried out a surprise inspection at an ice cream manufacturing unit situated in the industrial area, Hambran, Ludhiana. They added that the inspection revealed alarming levels of uncleanliness and unhygienic food preparation practices. "The working environment of the factory was found to be filthy, cluttered with waste, and lacking basic sanitation, raising serious concerns regarding consumer health and safety," said the health department. "The team collected two samples of ice cream, which were sent to the State Food Laboratory for further analysis. A challan was issued on the spot to the factory management for severe violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and legal proceedings were initiated." Dr Amarjit Kaur, District Health Officer (DHO), emphasised the department's "strict stance" on food safety. "No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to public health. Food establishments operating in unhygienic conditions not only break the law but also endanger the lives of consumers. Our teams are actively conducting checks, and offenders will be dealt with firmly," she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo According to the DHO, a challan for unhygienic conditions was issued to the ice cream unit, which will be decided by the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) court. She added that during the summer season, ice cream sales are higher, so they have started such checks. Health department officials said that houseflies and uncovered raw materials were found at the unit, and even some ice flavours were expired, which were destroyed by the team. Meanwhile, the health department has urged all food business operators to ensure strict compliance with hygiene protocols, failing which stringent action will be taken. "The department reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that only safe, clean, and quality food reaches the consumers," said the health department. MSID: 120556348 413 |
