Latest news with #StateLevelRapidResponseTeam
United News of India
3 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
COVID-19 death cases rise to 8 in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 (UNI) Kerala's COVID death cases rose to 8, and with this the cumulative death toll touches 72,147 since the pandemic began in 2020. Kerala's COVID-19 cases rose to 1,435 with the new 35 cases tested positive on Monday evening. As COVID cases are being reported in large numbers in South East Asian countries, there is a possibility of further increase in COVID in Kerala, sources said on Tuesday. The Omicron JN1 variants LF7 and NB1.8, currently spreading in those countries, have a high transmission rate. Those with symptoms such as cold, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath must wear masks. It is advisable for the elderly, pregnant women and those with serious illnesses to wear masks in public places while traveling. In view of the rising cases, the State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) is reviewing the general situation in Kerala. Instructions have been given to conduct COVID tests for those with symptoms in the state. Instructions were also given to health centres to ensure RTPCR kits and other safety equipment. UNI DS GNK
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Kerala Health Minister Warns Of Climate Change Triggering Disease Surge, Orders Immediate Preventive Action
Kerala Health Minister Veena George has issued an urgent warning about climate change's likely role in increasing cases of dengue, rabies, and water-borne illnesses throughout the state. She has called for immediate preventive action from all local governing bodies, mandating the development of a detailed micro plan by May 15 under Health Department oversight, specifically targeting the expected rise in mosquito-transmitted diseases. Stressing the critical nature of the situation, the Minister has called for enhanced field activities coordinated with Kerala's health alert calendar. Local authorities have been directed to intensify mosquito control efforts, map disease hotspots, and implement prompt interventions. George emphasized the importance of proper disease reporting from all healthcare facilities, including private hospitals, as required by the Public Health Act. During a meeting of the State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT), which gathered to evaluate Kerala's overall health landscape, the Minister addressed misinformation regarding vaccines. "The campaign against the rabies vaccine poses significant dangers. Such messaging must be countered with scientific facts," she stated. George clarified that rabies vaccines are distributed only after central laboratory verification of their efficacy, and underlined the necessity of ensuring statewide vaccine availability without shortages. The RRT also examined recent cholera fatalities in Thiruvananthapuram. According to George, field activities have been strengthened, with vaccines administered to all identified contacts of the deceased individuals. She noted that none of these contacts have exhibited disease symptoms thus far. A comprehensive month-long food safety inspection initiative has been launched concurrently. The Minister indicated that inspections should cover all fairs, including testing of water supplies, and revealed that specialized teams will conduct examinations during both morning and evening hours. A separate health department unit will perform additional inspection rounds. Despite low Covid-19 case numbers, the Minister advocated for ongoing surveillance and readily available RTPCR testing capabilities. She also ordered heightened monitoring for Nipah virus and avian influenza. George emphasized vigilance against both dengue and leptospirosis. "Leptospirosis deaths frequently result from lack of early-stage treatment," she noted, encouraging individuals exposed to contaminated water to take preventive medication as recommended by healthcare professionals. She further advised those with wounds on extremities to employ appropriate protective measures to prevent exposure.
India Today
05-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Kerala Health Minister warns of climate-driven disease surge, orders action plan
Kerala Health Minister Veena George has warned that the impact of climate change is likely to cause a surge in diseases such as dengue, rabies and water-borne infections across the state, urging all local bodies to step up preventive measures immediately. She directed that a comprehensive micro plan be prepared by May 15 under the supervision of the Health Department, specifically aimed at tackling the anticipated rise in mosquito-borne the urgency, the Minister called for intensified field-level activities aligned with the state's health alert calendar. Local bodies have been instructed to strengthen mosquito control measures, identify hot spots, and ensure timely interventions. George also emphasised the need for accurate disease reporting, including by private hospitals, as mandated by the Public Health State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) convened to assess the general health scenario across Kerala. Addressing concerns over vaccine misinformation, the Minister said, 'The propaganda against the rabies vaccine is dangerous. Such propaganda should be stopped with scientific knowledge.' She clarified that rabies vaccines are distributed only after their effectiveness is verified by the central laboratory, and stressed the importance of ensuring that the vaccines are available throughout the state without any shortage. The RRT also reviewed the cholera deaths reported in Thiruvananthapuram. George stated that field-level activities had been intensified, with all identified contacts of the deceased given vaccines. She added that none of the contacts had shown symptoms of the disease so month-long intensive food safety inspection has also been launched. The Minister said inspections should be conducted at all fairs, including tests on the water used, and announced that special squads will carry out checks during both morning and night hours. A dedicated health department team will also conduct a separate round of the number of Covid-19 cases remains low, the Minister called for continued surveillance and the availability of RTPCR test kits. She also ordered enhanced monitoring for Nipah and bird George stressed vigilance against dengue and leptospirosis as well. 'Leptospirosis deaths often occur due to not being treated in the initial stage,' she said, urging those who come into contact with contaminated water to take prophylactic medication as advised by health workers. She further advised that individuals with wounds on their hands or feet must take appropriate personal protective measures to avoid exposure. IN THIS STORY#Kerala
