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Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Covid situation in control, no need to panic: PMC
Despite a noticeable uptick in the number of Covid-19 cases recently, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials claim that the situation in the city is under control and there is no need to panic. Civic officials said that existing Covid management protocols will continue to be followed. On Monday, the PMC held a review meeting to assess the Covid-19 situation in the city. The meeting was chaired by additional municipal commissioner M J Pradeep Chandran, and attended by representatives from the PMC health department, public health officials, and the Rapid Response Task Force. Experts from key institutions such as the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), National Institute of Virology (NIV), B J Medical College (BJMC), and private hospitals also attended the meeting, according to officials. The RRT members said that the current virus strain in circulation is mild and no deaths have been reported in the city. The PMC till date has sent 145 Covid samples for genome sequencing and no new variant has been found. Besides, patients hospitalised with influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) will be tested for Covid. Dr Nina Borade, health chief of the PMC, said, 'The Covid situation in the city is under control and the situation is not alarming. However, experts have stressed that individuals in high-risk categories, with existing co-morbid conditions should take precautions. We have asked all private hospitals to test SARI and ILI patients for Covid.' As per the statement issued by the public health department, Maharashtra on Monday reported 65 fresh Covid cases with 26 from areas under the PMC, 22 from Mumbai, and two from areas under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Since January, 1,504 Covid cases and 18 deaths amongst the infected have been reported. Furthermore, there are 613 active Covid-19 cases in the state. Since January, Mumbai has reported 687 cases, 681 of which were reported in May alone, said Dr Babita Kamlapurkar, joint director of health services. Dr Kamlapurkar said that instructions have been issued to all officers in the divisional, district, and municipal corporations across the state during the Covid-19 review meeting. 'Surveillance for ILI and SARI patients is being conducted regularly, with 5% of these patients being asked to undergo testing for Covid-19. All Covid-positive samples are sent for whole genome sequencing. Additionally, all healthcare facilities under the public health department, medical colleges within the medical education department, and hospitals and medical colleges in urban areas are directed to be prepared for Covid-19 testing and treatment,' she said.


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pune civic body calls emergency meeting as Covid cases rise
Amid the recent rise in Covid-19 cases, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has called for an emergency meeting on Monday to review the situation and strengthen its response strategy to combat the infection, said officials. As per officials, since May, Pune city has witnessed a significant surge in Covid cases. PMC has reported 64 new Covid-19 cases in just six days (June 1 to June 6), marking a noticeable uptick compared to the previous month. The city recorded 108 cases in May. While the numbers remain relatively low, officials are concerned about the potential for a further spike, especially with the arrival of the monsoon season. Officials from PMC health department, public health department and rapid response task force which includes—National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), National Institute of Virology (NIV), BJ Medical College and private hospitals experts—will attend the meeting, said officials. Pune municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has asked civic departments concerned and healthcare officials to attend the meeting. Discussions will focus on strengthening surveillance, ensuring availability of medicines and hospital beds, ramping up testing, and refining public communication strategies, said officials. According to statement issued by PMC, 21 fresh Covid cases were reported and 18 patients were discharged after treatment on Saturday. The city has 61 active cases, of which 52 are in home isolation and nine are hospitalised and two on oxygen support. Since January, Pune city has reported 137 Covid cases, said officials. Dr Nina Borade, health chief, PMC, said, 'We are closely monitoring the rise in cases. The SOPs have already been issued for management of Covid-19 patients. Our aim is to be fully prepared and prevent any outbreak.' As per the statement issued by the public health department, Maharashtra on Saturday reported 86 fresh Covid cases with 31 from PMC, 28 from Mumbai and seven from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Since January, 1,362 Covid cases and 18 deaths amongst the infected have been reported. Furthermore, there are 595 active cases in the state. Since January, Mumbai has reported 640 cases, of which 634 cases were reported in May alone, said Dr Babita Kamlapurkar, joint director of health services.


Time of India
7 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Early onset of rain leads to rise in viral hepatitis and typhoid cases reported in Pune city
1 2 3 Pune: The early onset of rain this year in the city has led to a spike in the number of viral hepatitis and typhoid cases in May, which is not usually a monsoon month. Officials said there has been a reported rise in waterborne infections both in the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations' limits. As per the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the city saw 14 viral hepatitis cases and 29 typhoid or enteric fever cases in May 2025 alone, which in the corresponding period in 2024 stood at six viral hepatitis cases and 16 typhoid cases. PMC chief health officer Dr Nina Borade said, "The early onset of monsoon is bound to bring in more vector-borne and waterborne infections. The mosquito breeding cycle has changed; changed climate also often affects immunity. However, this spike is not high. Also, PMC's water purification cycle is in place and effective. We recently tested our water samples, and they were found to be safe to drink." Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) limits are also recording a slight rise in waterborne infections. PCMC chief medical officer Laxman Gophane said there has been a noticeable increase in typhoid and hepatitis cases in May this year compared to the same period last year — but he emphasized that the data is still being analysed in the context of past trends before concluding if it constitutes a significant surge. "In May 2024, we recorded 58 typhoid cases, which have risen to 78 this year. Similarly, hepatitis cases have slightly increased from 13 last year to 15 this May," Gophane said. He added that health officials are closely monitoring the situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) portal and immediately alert the teams concerned if any sharp rise is observed. "At present, the situation is under control, and civic hospitals are fully equipped to manage such cases," he said. Doctors said there has been a reported rise in private hospitals as well. Dr Mukesh Budhwani, general physician and diabetologist, Apollo Clinic, Vimannagar, said, "Early monsoon causes sharp spike in viral hepatitis and typhoid cases in Pune city. We have witnessed several patients at the clinic reporting monsoon-related health issues. In the past two weeks alone, we have witnessed more than 50-60 patients of viral fever, infection, cough and cold, or serious illnesses like typhoid, gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and stomach infections. This is a 20% rise in the number of cases that we usually observe around this time." He added, "We recommend taking precautions like drinking purified water, using mosquito repellents, and maintaining good hygiene to prevent waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases. Boost immunity with vitamin C, probiotics, and antioxidants. Stay hydrated and active and stick to home-cooked meals to minimize health risks in the monsoon." Dr Pramod Katre, gastroenterologist at Noble Hospital, said, "The onset of monsoon brings along waterborne diseases like hepatitis (A and E), typhoid and jaundice. This is because of contaminated water. Hepatitis is seen more in smaller children than adults due to contaminated water and food. In most, it is self-limiting and requires a medication course of one or two weeks. In some cases, it can get serious and affect the liver. The common symptoms are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and jaundice. It is important to consult a doctor if symptoms are seen as early detection can help in timely treatment and avoid complications later. There are vaccines available for hepatitis A and typhoid, which can be beneficial for children and adults." Doctors also recommended some simple precautionary steps during early stages and for the monsoon season — carry your own water bottle, boil water, ensure hand hygiene before eating and avoid outside food.


Indian Express
7 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Maharashtra logs 86 new Covid cases, 4 deaths taking toll to 14
Maharashtra logged 86 new cases of Covid 19 on Tuesday taking the entire number of persons with the infection till date to 959. Four more deaths were reported taking the toll to 14 as per state health department data. Of the four deaths, two were from Nagpur while one each was from Miraj and Chandrapur. A majority of the 14 persons who succumbed and tested positive for Covid-19 had comorbid conditions like diabetes, cancer, interstitial lung disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal failure, hypertension and Parkinson's Disease and other diseases. A total of 435 persons have recovered. Meanwhile, Mumbai reported the highest number of cases — 509 . As per the state health department data on Tuesday, 26 new Covid 19 cases were reported from Mumbai, 24 from Pune city while three each from Pune rural areas and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporation area. Covid-19 is now endemic and doctors have urged citizens to remain vigilant, and with the right precautions, protect themselves. Dr Nina Borade, Medical Officer of Health, Pune Municipal Corporation, said that routine testing was not usually necessary for mild symptoms like common cold and cough. 'However it is important to take extra precaution around persons at high risk who have comorbid medical conditions and are immunocompromised,' Dr Borade said. She added that mock drills have been carried out and directives issued to reserve 50 beds at Naidu hospital. Private hospitals have been urged to report cases to municipal health authorities.


Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pune: 108 Covid cases reported in May; mild symptoms
After Mumbai, it is now Pune's turn to see a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases, which has raised concerns among public health officials. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has recorded 108 COVID cases in May alone which is the highest ever caseload reported in any month this year, officials said. According to the PMC records, the city recorded only three cases between January and April 2025. Of these three cases, one case each was reported in January, March and April. In May however, there has been a significant spike in COVID-19 cases with 108 new cases reported during that month alone. According to a statement issued by the PMC, as many as 13 fresh COVID cases were reported on Monday and eight patients were successfully discharged after treatment. As of Monday, the city has 94 active COVID cases, 84 of which are under home isolation and 10 are hospitalised. Besides, the city has reported 121 COVID cases since January this year. Dr Nina Borade, health chief of the PMC, urged citizens not to panic saying that the situation is under control. 'The spike in cases is seen as doctors have started testing patients for COVID. The cases were not witnessed till March as doctors were not testing patients for COVID. Even citizens with flu-like symptoms are getting tested for COVID. Citizens should follow good hand- and respiratory- hygiene practices and avoid medication. PMC hospitals are well-equipped and prepared to handle any untoward surge in cases,' she said. Meanwhile, as per a statement issued by the public health department, Maharashtra on Monday reported 59 fresh COVID-19 cases. Of these, 20 are from Mumbai, 17 from the PMC areas, and two from Pimpri-Chinchwad. Since January, as many as 873 COVID cases and 10 deaths have been reported among those infected. Currently, there are 494 active COVID-19 cases in the state. Since January, Mumbai has reported 483 cases, 477 of which have been reported in May alone, said Dr Babita Kamlapurkar, joint director of health services. Dr Kamlapurkar, said, 'Surveillance for influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection is being conducted in Maharashtra. These patients are tested for COVID and infected patients are provided treatment as per protocol. People should not panic as infected patients are reportedly found to have mild symptoms.'