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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Karnataka battles dengue surge amid rising monsoon health crisis
Karnataka has recorded the third-highest number of dengue cases in India between April and June 2025, with 1,480 reported infections and no deaths, as per provisional data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Only Kerala (3,871 cases, 16 deaths) and Tamil Nadu (3,023 cases, 2 deaths) surpassed Karnataka in dengue numbers during this period. While the state avoided fatalities, the volume of cases highlights the pressure on local health systems during the pre-monsoon and early monsoon surge in dengue cases has been concentrated in southern India, emerging as a regional public health challenge. Along with Karnataka, Maharashtra (1,345 cases) and Telangana (433 cases) also reported a significant number of infections. Kerala's high fatality rate has caused alarm, and Tamil Nadu's steep jump in cases—from 4,778 in 2024 to over 8,500 so far this year—points to a worsening Karnataka's case numbers are high, they remain largely consistent with last year's data, suggesting a relatively steady trajectory. Health experts, however, caution against interpreting this as a sign of control, warning that the ongoing monsoon season still poses significant a broader vector-borne disease (VBD) front, Karnataka appears to have maintained stability. The state recorded 148 malaria cases between January and June 2025, a marginal increase from the 141 cases reported during the same period last year. Notably, there were no reported cases of Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis, or Chikungunya, indicating effective surveillance and disease prevention situation stands in contrast to states like Odisha, where malaria cases nearly doubled—from 12,363 to 24,472. Similarly, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh witnessed sharp spikes in dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. Karnataka's neighbours, Telangana and Kerala, also reported a rise in dengue and malaria, attribute Karnataka's relatively stable VBD numbers to better preparedness, baseline public health infrastructure, and community-level interventions. However, the continued high burden of dengue infections demands intensified control measures, including mosquito breeding source reduction, timely fogging, and better warn that the absence of fatalities should not create a false sense of security. Urban crowding, water stagnation, and poor waste management continue to foster mosquito breeding, especially during the rains. Strengthened public participation and inter-departmental coordination will be crucial in preventing further dengue and chikungunya cases are reportedly down compared to 2024, but regional spikes have emerged. The Health Ministry has stepped up efforts with disease surveillance through the Integrated Health Information Portal and pre-monsoon preparedness, including training, drug supply, and integrated vector its high dengue load but stable performance on other VBDs, Karnataka stands at a critical juncture. .
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pune accounts for 38% of Maha's ILI & SARI cases
Pune has emerged as the worst-affected district in Maharashtra for cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), accounting for over a third of the state's total caseload. However, officials claim that precise reporting is the reason behind this large number of cases. According to official data from the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) of the state health department, Maharashtra recorded a total 142,474 cases of ILI and SARI between January 1 and June 11, 2025 with Pune district alone accounting for 54,371 cases which is approximately 38% of the total cases. During the same period, the state reported 753 cases of SARI, 597 (79%) of which were reported by Pune district alone, officials said. Dr Sachin Desai, Pune district health officer, said that the reason behind the large number of cases is the reporting in Pune district. 'All cases are regularly updated on the portal, and there is no underreporting of cases. However, no deaths have been reported amongst these infected patients,' he said. According to health experts, the large number of cases is worrying and maybe linked to multiple factors such as climate variations, urban density, air quality, and delayed medical intervention. Dr Abhijeet Lodha, physician at Ruby Hall Clinic, said that those with existing co-morbidities and the elderly should regularly take influenza vaccines and infected patients must follow hygiene and use face masks in public places. 'The spikes in respiratory illnesses are often aggravated during seasonal transitions and by rising pollution levels. The monsoon, with its damp and humid conditions, only worsens the situation,' Dr Lodha said. As per data provided by the public health department, Pune district reported the highest number of ILI cases this year followed by Jalgaon with 18,435 cases and Ahilya Nagar with 9,903 cases. Similarly, Pune reported the highest number of SARI cases (597) followed by Solapur (31) and Nagpur (29). A senior health official from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on request of anonymity said, 'The cases have gone up and the surge in cases can be attributed to the pollution and weather change. 'Many people from nearby districts like Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Ahilya Nagar and Kolhapur also come for treatment to Pune which adds to the total number. Besides, there is more awareness among people coming forward to report if they have any symptoms.' Dr Avdhut Bodamwad of Lopmudra Hospital said that more ILI and SARI cases are likely to be reported due to the onset of the monsoon and that citizens should take all precautionary measures and stay safe. 'During the monsoon, temperature variations take place and we can expect an increase in such cases. Considering the current situation in Pune, it is important to differentiate between Covid-19 positive patients and those who are not. Individuals at high risk should get tested immediately if they have any such symptoms and should not attribute it to weather change,' he said.
India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand Health Secretary reviews COVID-19 preparedness, urges vigilance amid rising cases
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 26 (ANI): Uttarakhand's State Secretary of Medical Health and Medical Education, Dr R Rajesh Kumar, held a high-level review meeting on Monday with senior departmental officials to assess the state's preparedness for COVID-19 management. During the meeting, Dr Kumar directed officials to remain fully prepared for any possible emergency and emphasised that there should be no negligence at any level. He instructed that all COVID-19 management systems must be fully operational and effective. Senior officials, including Medical Director General Dr Sunita Tamta, Medical Education Director Dr Ashutosh Sayana, Assistant Director Dr Pankaj Singh, Dehradun Chief Medical Officer Dr Manoj Sharma, Doon Medical College Chief Medical Superintendent Dr RS Bisht, and others, attended the meeting. The state government remains alert in light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country. 'The situation in the state is under control right now, but we must be prepared for any potential challenge. At this time, there is no need to panic, but to be cautious and vigilant. Our effort is to ensure the availability of all necessary resources related to COVID-19 in every hospital, health centers and medical college in the state. Whether it is isolation beds, oxygen supply or availability of trained health workers,' Health Secretary Dr Kumar said. He further stated that surveillance systems are being strengthened and testing capacities bolstered to enable quick action when needed. 'Our rapid response teams are trained and ready,' Dr Kumar added. He appealed to the public and said, 'I urge citizens to stay away from rumours and follow the Health Department's guidelines.' To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Health Department reiterated the importance of wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, and consulting a doctor promptly upon experiencing symptoms. All government and private hospitals and medical colleges in the state have been directed to treat COVID patients. Ensure adequate availability of isolation beds, oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, BiPAP machines, ventilators, ICU beds, oxygen generation plants, and essential medicines. All districts have been instructed further to strengthen the surveillance of potential cases of COVID-19. Also, all testing centres have been asked to ensure the availability of rapid test kits and RT-PCR kits. ILI (influenza-like symptoms), SARI (severe acute respiratory infection), and COVID-19 cases will be reported compulsorily and continuously monitored. All government and private hospitals and labs have been asked to ensure that they share the reports of these cases on the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) daily. Rapid response teams formed under the IDSP program have been instructed to be trained and prepared for any unusual situation. All patients with COVID-19 symptoms will be tested compulsorily, and COVID-19 positive samples will be sent to the concerned laboratories for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). (ANI)
