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Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Vax shortage, closure of PHCs at noon leave city at risk of rabies
Chennai: The city, reeling under a surging stray dog population, is facing a rabies crisis. Yet, institutions intended to be the frontline against this deadly disease — primary health centres (PHCs) in the city and suburbs — are consistently inadequate. A TOI investigation uncovered shortages of anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) and unjustified closure at noon citing fears of "wastage". Worse, none of the PHCs had rabies immunoglobulin, which provides immediate antibodies to neutralise the virus at the wound site, particularly in severe bites. Staff nurses at two of the nine PHCs surveyed – Virugambakkam and Maduravoyal – said they had no stock of ARV vaccine. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai "We can give a TT injection," a nurse at Virugambakkam PHC said. What she did not say was that Tetanus Toxoid is not a substitute for ARV and that the patient must take the vaccine at the next available centre as early as possible. Other PHCs at Perambur, Royapettah, T Nagar, Valasaravakkam, and Avadi turned away patients who reached the centres after noon. Almost all staff at these centres said the vaccination is done only between 9am and noon. The multi-dose vaccine vials should be discarded within up to six hours of opening, they said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDs กับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้ | เรียนรู้เพิ่มเติม IC Markets สมัคร Undo Kundrathur was the only PHC where the vaccine was available throughout the day. Experts said PHCs that do not have the vaccine in stock must either offer them at people's doorstep through the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme or take them to the nearest hospital where the vaccine is available. Anti-rabies vaccines are incredibly effective, but factors such as delays can make them redundant, said infectious diseases expert Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan. "When the staff offer Tetanus Toxoid or a less effective vaccine instead of directing the patients to the nearest facility, patients may assume it is not serious," he said. Studies by the directorate of public health also showed most people think dog bites cannot give them rabies, and some assume that bleeding injuries are safe as virus will wash off with the blood. "Many people skip vaccinations if they see the wound heal or if they don't see visible wounds, both of which are wrong. If there is a two-day delay, starting the vaccine with immunoglobulin may be effective," Dr Subramaniam added. However, none of the PHCs stock immunoglobulin. Senior officials in the health department, including director of public health Dr T S Selvavinayagam, said they have repeatedly asked people to get themselves vaccinated against rabies for all animal bites at the nearest PHCs. "All people infected by rabies in the state have either skipped vaccination or have not completed the course," he said. Earlier, health minister Ma Subramanian had told reporters that PHCs and CHCs (Community Health Centers) have also been instructed to maintain a round-the-clock supply of ARVs, with a minimum stock of 20 vials.
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and more Indian cities see rise in Covid cases: Here's what health experts want you to know
Health officials are closely monitoring a slight increase in Covid-19 cases across India. Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad are experiencing a rise in infections. While overall cases remain low, some hospitals are taking precautions. Testing has increased for those with flu-like symptoms. Experts advise vulnerable individuals to take preventive measures. The situation is under control, but vigilance is necessary. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai Sees Cluster of Cases Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Pune on Alert, But No Active Cases Tamil Nadu Reports Rise, Surgeries Delayed New Cases in Karnataka and Gujarat Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Covid-19 Still Around, Say Experts Health officials are keeping a close watch as Covid-19 cases slowly rise in parts of India, at a time when countries like Hong Kong and Singapore are also seeing more the total number of cases is still low compared to earlier waves, cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad have seen a noticeable has reported 95 new Covid-19 cases in May, according to the Maharashtra health department. This is a sharp jump, as the state has recorded just 106 cases since 16 people are in hospital, with many being moved from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to stop the spread of workers are now testing all patients showing flu-like symptoms or severe breathing problems for Pune, the local authorities have kept 50 beds ready at Naidu Hospital, just in case. Right now, there are no active Covid-19 patients in the city's public hospitals.'We had just one patient in May, an 87-year-old from Manjari, who has fully recovered,' said Dr Nina Borade, head of health at Pune Municipal Corporation. She said testing is not happening in civic hospitals at the moment, as they are waiting for new guidelines from the Tamil Nadu, 12 new cases were found in Puducherry. In Chennai, doctors say more people with fevers are now testing positive for Covid-19 rather than the hospitals have even delayed major surgeries, like organ transplants and heart operations, to avoid infection risk.'We are seeing more Covid-19 now,' said Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan, a specialist at Gleneagles Healthcity. 'Two weeks ago, most of our samples were flu. Now, it's mostly Covid.'Dr T S Selvavinayagam, the state's public health director, said there is no reason to panic but asked people to stay careful in crowded places. 'Covid-19 never went away. It's still around, with ups and downs,' he has 16 active cases, according to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Gujarat, seven cases were found in Ahmedabad in just one day, surprising for a city that has seen only one case per month for a seven patients are recovering at home, and their samples have been sent for further World Health Organization (WHO) said in May 2023 that the Covid-19 pandemic is over, but the virus still spreads around the India, most new cases are mild, with no deaths or ICU cases so far in this recent are advising older people, pregnant women, and those with health issues to be extra careful, wear masks in closed spaces and wash hands often. They also suggest getting a flu shot to avoid from TOI
Mint
21-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
Covid cases in India: Mumbai, Pune, Chennai log fresh cases
Health authorities are closely observing a rise in Covid-19 cases across several Indian states, as infections resurge in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. While nationwide numbers remain low compared to earlier waves, cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad have witnessed a modest but noticeable increase in infections. Mumbai has reported 95 new Covid-19 cases so far in May, a significant rise given that Maharashtra has recorded only 106 cases since January, according to the state health department. At least 16 patients are currently hospitalised, with many transferred from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to prevent further transmission, Times of India reported. All patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) are now being tested for Covid-19. In Pune, municipal authorities have kept 50 beds reserved at Naidu Hospital as a precautionary measure, despite the absence of active Covid-19 patients in public hospitals. 'We had only one patient in May — an 87-year-old from Manjari — who has since fully recovered,' Dr Nina Borade, health chief at Pune Municipal Corporation was quoted as saying by TOI. She noted that testing is currently not being carried out in civic hospitals and that the city is awaiting updated guidelines from the Centre. In Tamil Nadu, 12 new cases have emerged in Puducherry. In Chennai, a shift is being observed as fevers initially attributed to influenza are increasingly being linked to Covid-19. Some hospitals have delayed crucial procedures, including organ transplants and cardiac surgeries, due to heightened infection risk. 'We are seeing a rising share of Covid-19 among viral cases,' Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan, an infectious diseases expert at Gleneagles Healthcity was quoted as saying by TOI. 'Two weeks ago, 60% of our positive samples were influenza A or B. Now, it's Covid-19.' Public Health Director Dr T S Selvavinayagam urged caution in crowded areas but said there was 'no need for panic'. He added: 'Covid-19 never truly disappeared — it has been circulating at low levels with seasonal peaks.' Karnataka has 16 active cases, state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed. Meanwhile, Gujarat reported seven new infections in Ahmedabad in a single day — an unusual increase for a city that has averaged only one case per month over the past year. All patients are in home isolation, and their samples have been sent for genomic sequencing. Though the World Health Organization declared the pandemic over in May 2023, the virus continues to circulate globally. In India, most new infections have been mild, with no reported deaths or ICU admissions linked to the current rise. Health professionals are urging vulnerable groups — including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying conditions — to reinstate basic precautions such as mask-wearing in enclosed spaces and frequent hand hygiene. Doctors have also recommended influenza vaccination to minimise the risk and impact of potential co-infections.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India logs new Covid spike as cases rise in Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad
NEW DELHI: Health authorities are closely monitoring a rise in Covid-19 cases across multiple states, amid a resurgence of infections in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. While overall case numbers remain low compared to previous waves, cities such as Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad have reported small but notable surge in infections. Maharashtra sees cluster in Mumbai Mumbai has reported 95 new Covid-19 cases in May — a significant increase compared to the state's total of 106 since January, according to the Maharashtra health department. At least 16 people are currently hospitalised, with most being shifted from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to curb potential transmission. Authorities are testing all patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) for Covid-19. Pune on alert despite no active cases In Pune, municipal officials have reserved 50 beds at Naidu Hospital as a precautionary measure. The city currently has no active Covid-19 patients in public hospitals. 'We had only one patient in May — an 87-year-old from Manjari — who has since fully recovered,' said Dr Nina Borade, health chief at Pune Municipal Corporation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Entrevista exclusiva: a verdade sobre o magnésio que ninguém te contou AlwaysFit Undo She added that tests are currently not being conducted in civic hospitals and said the city is awaiting updated central guidelines. Rising cases in Tamil Nadu In Tamil Nadu, 12 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in Puducherry. In Chennai, doctors are reporting a shift: fevers previously attributed to influenza are now increasingly being linked to Covid-19. Surgeons in some hospitals have delayed critical procedures, including organ transplants and heart surgeries, due to the risk of infection. 'We are seeing a rising share of Covid-19 among viral cases,' said Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan, an infectious diseases expert at Gleneagles Healthcity. 'Two weeks ago, 60% of our positive samples were influenza A or B. Now, it's Covid-19.' Public health director Dr T S Selvavinayagam said there is no need for panic but urged caution in crowded spaces. 'Covid-19 never truly disappeared — it has been circulating at low levels with seasonal peaks,' he said. Karnataka and Gujarat report new cases Karnataka has confirmed 16 active Covid-19 cases, according to state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. In Gujarat, seven new cases were detected in Ahmedabad on a single day — an unusual spike in a city that has averaged just one case per month over the past year. All seven patients are in home isolation, and authorities have sent their samples for genomic testing. 'Virus remains endemic' Although the World Health Organization declared the pandemic over in May 2023, Covid-19 continues to circulate globally. In India, most cases remain mild, and no deaths or ICU admissions have been linked to the latest uptick. Health experts have advised the public — particularly the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions — to resume basic precautions such as mask-wearing in enclosed spaces and frequent handwashing. Doctors also recommend influenza vaccination to reduce risk and severity of co-infections.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mask up: Covid-19 cases rise in Chennai
Chennai: Fevers in city hospitals, largely attributed to influenza A and B until two weeks ago, are now increasingly linked to Covid-19. This has prompted surgeons to cancel critical procedures like transplants, bypass surgeries, and heart valve replacements, doctors said. The public health department, which says there are 40 active cases, is yet to confirm whether people with the viral infection have strains similar to Omicron JN.1 descendants—LF.7 and NB.1.8—observed in Singapore and Hong Kong, where there is a rise in cases and hospitalisations. While healthy people with mild disease, treated as outpatients, are not tested, people with co-morbid conditions or those with severe disease requiring admission undergo tests. In most hospitals, including govt-run facilities, the panel of tests includes influenza, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. "We test for these because treatment for these diseases varies," said Gleneagles Healthcity infectious diseases expert Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan. Since August 2024, there was a steady flow of patients with fever in the city due to various viruses. "We did not see a dip even when day temperatures were hovering near 40 degrees C. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Trend Lets Indians Access Benefits Up to ₹2,00,00,000 India News Learn More Undo Nearly 60% of cases we tested were influenza A and B two weeks ago. Now, it is Covid," he said. Most people report symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, respiratory distress, and a persistent cough, but there is no spike in admissions to intensive care units or deaths reported so far, health officials confirmed. "There is no need for panic," said Director of Public Health Dr T S Selvavinagayam. "Like influenza-like illness, Covid never completely went away. We have been seeing sporadic cases of the viral infection with seasonal peaks," he said. On Tuesday, the directorate asked people to wear masks and maintain social distancing when they are in closed crowded spaces. "It is important for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with co-morbid conditions or immunity issues to take precautions," he said. Educational institutions, workplaces, and public places must provide facilities for people to wash their hands with soap or cleanse them with sanitisers, he added. Doctors also advise people to take the flu vaccination. The flu vaccine prevents flu in up to 70% of cases. It also reduces the chances of severe disease, hospitalisation, and death, particularly among children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, said Apollo Hospital's infectious diseases expert, Dr V Ramasubramanian. "We don't yet have the Covid vaccination to prevent the present variant of Covid circulating in Singapore. We recommend people at risk to take the existing booster dose if they haven't taken the vaccine for six months," he said. The immune response to the flu weakens after six months. The annual vaccination boosts immunity. Additionally, viruses are constantly changing, he added.
