Latest news with #TamilNaduDirectorateofPublicHealthandPreventiveMedicine
Hans India
2 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
TN on high alert after Nipah virus cases in Kerala; medical teams deployed across borders
Chennai: Following reports of Nipah virus infections in Kerala's Palakkad and Malappuram districts, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has assured the public that there is no cause for panic as medical teams are on high alert to monitor and respond swiftly to any suspected cases. In an official release on Saturday, the department said that no Nipah cases have been detected in Tamil Nadu so far and that all necessary precautionary measures are being taken to prevent any possible outbreak. Medical teams have been deployed in districts along the Kerala border and are on high alert to monitor and respond swiftly to any suspected cases. The Directorate has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly adhere to basic hygiene and safety protocols. The public has been advised to be on the lookout for symptoms associated with Nipah virus, which include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, difficulty in breathing, seizures, and even fainting. People showing these symptoms — especially those who have recently travelled to affected areas in Kerala or been in contact with a sick person — should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government hospital. To reduce the risk of transmission, residents are also advised to avoid eating unwashed or fallen fruits, ensure that fruits are thoroughly washed before consumption, and maintain proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water. District health officers across Tamil Nadu have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and ensure that all preventive measures are strictly implemented in their respective areas. Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats are known to be the primary carriers of the virus, and infections in humans often occur through contact with bat-contaminated fruits or through close contact with infected individuals or animals, such as pigs. The Tamil Nadu health department reiterated its commitment to keeping the public safe and said it will continue to monitor the situation in Kerala closely. Citizens have been urged not to spread rumours and to rely only on official updates for accurate information.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
From Kerala to Uttar Pradesh, states step up vigil as Covid returns
The Covid wave that recently surfaced in Southeast Asia appears to be gradually spreading to India. States like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha have issued directives to officials and the public while scaling up testing efforts. However, officials say the Centre has yet to issue any advisory on the current wave or booster doses. While there is no panic, hospitals and local authorities have been told to increase testing capacity. According to state officials, Omicron sub-variants JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8 are now causing concern in India as well. These strains are highly transmissible, although symptoms remain mild. The World Health Organization has not issued any advisory yet, despite the virus spreading across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. Maharashtra, meanwhile, is reportedly seeing clusters of new cases. As with earlier outbreaks, Kerala has moved first, issuing updated guidelines urging mask use and caution, especially for high-risk/vulnerable groups, and activating its rapid response team. The state has reported about 182 new Covid cases so far in May. 'The public must remain vigilant. Cases are rising in other countries, and we need to be prepared,' said Kerala Health Minister Veena George. The state has directed hospitals to test symptomatic visitors using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction kits and to stock up on masks and protective equipment. People are advised to wear masks if they develop symptoms, with similar guidance issued for the elderly, pregnant women, health workers, and individuals with existing health conditions. In Uttar Pradesh, the government has asked several districts to prepare Covid wards at community health centres and ensure adequate supplies of oxygen concentrators and oxygen plants. Odisha has urged residents to stay alert and strictly follow Covid precautions—wearing masks, practising hand hygiene, and maintaining physical distancing. Citizens have also been asked to notify authorities if symptoms appear. Tamil Nadu has advised the public to stay calm, saying that the situation is being monitored closely through the state's Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. 'The health department is tracking all viruses, including coronavirus, through the IHIP portal, which supports real-time data reporting, modelling, and analysis. This system is integrated with other public health programmes. Any infections will be promptly reported,' said T S Selvavinayagam, director of the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. On Monday, the Union health ministry held a meeting with senior officials and representatives of central government hospitals to review the situation, concluding that it remains under control. 'Covid surveillance is part of our routine. We track influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) for any spike. If we detect anything, we check for Covid too. So far, nothing concerning has emerged,' said Karnataka Health Commissioner Sivakumar K B. Karnataka has reported 30 cases in May so far. As of May 19, India had 257 active Covid cases. Most are mild, with no hospitalisation required. Maharashtra has reported two Covid-related deaths, and Kerala one. Mumbai alone has seen around 95 cases this month, according to media reports. State health departments are testing nearly all patients presenting with ILI or SARI symptoms. Doctors are advising high-risk individuals to stay cautious. 'Most cases are mild, and hospitalisation isn't required. There's no cause for panic. But people with chronic medical conditions should take extra care — masking up in enclosed spaces and avoiding close contact with anyone who has a fever. Those with mild fever should stay home until symptoms subside to avoid infecting others,' said Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Cochin chapter of the Indian Medical Association and a Covid-19 expert. 'We are fully alert. The health department is on watch. There's no need to worry. The government and health authorities are prepared,' said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
