Latest news with #VRDL
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
One more tests positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh; tally rises to three
'A 51-year-old man has tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the total number of infections in the current wave to three in the State,' a senior health official said on Saturday (May 31, 2025.) 'The man had undergone a rapid antigen test at Ramakrishna Mission Hospital (RKMH) in Itanagar on May 28 and was found positive for the coronavirus infection,' he said. 'Arunachal Pradesh had earlier reported two cases of the new COVID-19 variant on May 27,' State Surveillance Officer Dr. Lobsang Jampa said. 'These cases were detected through RT-PCR tests at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS),' he said. A 34-year-old woman, who is in her 21st week of pregnancy, tested positive after she had developed COVID-like symptoms of fever and mild cough. The woman had arrived in Itanagar from Bengaluru on May 13. The woman's 53-year-old mother also tested positive for the infection but remained asymptomatic. Anti-dam protests spread in Arunachal Pradesh; villagers point to potential submergence of sacred Mishmi tribal cultural 'The pregnant woman is currently admitted to a hospital, while her mother has been placed under isolation,' the official said. Mr. Jampa urged the public not to panic, assuring that the new strain appears to be less severe than earlier variants. 'The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are also tracing all possible contacts the two women may have had,' he added. He noted that a comprehensive public health advisory will be issued soon after consultation with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi. 'So far, the State Health Department has tested four samples, of which three have been found positive,' the official added.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health ministry seeks report on preparedness for Covid-19 by June 2
New Delhi: As Covid cases continue to rise across the country, the union health ministry has asked several states and union territories, including Delhi, to put preventive measures in place. As of May 28, India recorded 1,621 active cases with Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka accounting for over 90% of total active infections. In a letter dated May 29 to state chief secretaries and UT administrators, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava addressed the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses caused by various pathogens, including Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. "A notable but gradual increase in cases of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) due to SARS-CoV-2 is being seen in some parts of the country," the letter mentioned. She stated that most infections were mild, with current Omicron variants JN 1, XFG, and LF 7.9 causing typical symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat that resolve naturally. The letter instructed states and UTs to assess hospital readiness at district and sub-district levels, including medical colleges, tertiary care centres and other inpatient healthcare facilities. This includes ensuring the availability of diagnostics, essential drugs, PPEs, isolation facilities, oxygen supply, critical care beds and ventilator-supported beds. Facilities must conduct mock drills to verify oxygen preparedness. An action taken report has to be shared by June 2. The ministry emphasised following testing protocols as per operational guidelines: testing all SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases. SARI-positive samples have to be forwarded to regional VRDL centres for whole genomic sequencing. District Surveillance Units must monitor ILI/SARI trends, track SARI proportions among cases, and maintain regular data entry on the portal concerned. Through public health education, proper hand and respiratory hygiene practices, including appropriate cough etiquette and avoiding spitting in public, have to be promoted. Vulnerable groups, including elderly and immunocompromised individuals, should avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces or wear face masks in such environments. Also, individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms should monitor their health and seek medical attention if they develop serious symptoms like breathing difficulties or chest pain.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
ID Hospital in Kolkata sets up 2 Covid isolation wards as 7 new cases emerge at 4 facilities
Two isolation wards have been kept ready at ID Hospital, in case the Covid-19 cases continue to spike KOLKATA: Fresh cases of Covid-19 continued to emerge in Kolkata, with at least seven new cases reported from four hospitals on Wednesday. Health department sources said that while surveillance has increased, two isolation wards have been kept ready at ID Hospital, in case the number spikes. The state-run hospital served as the nodal Covid hospital during the first and second waves of the pandemic. Two patients are being treated at Woodlands Hospital — an 89-year-old man from Alipore and a 41-year-old woman from Thakurpukur. Admitted on Tuesday, the 89-year-old needed oxygen as he was experiencing respiratory distress. Doctors said his condition is improving, and he does not need oxygen now. "This patient, who has several comorbidities, also shows evidence of lung involvement. He is recovering well in the isolation ICU," said critical care specialist Soutik Panda. Sources said the woman came with low-grade fever, headache, malaise, and other symptoms of upper respiratory infection. She, however, does not need oxygen support and is being treated in an isolated cabin. "We currently have only one Covid patient, who is an elderly man with a host of comorbidities. Though he has mild symptoms, the critical care team is taking care of him due to his comorbidities," said critical care specialist Sauren Panja of RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo "Two more swab samples tested at our lab came out positive on Wednesday," said microbiologist Shelly Sharma Ganguly of Manipal Broadway. Sources said both were OPD patients, and one is on dialysis for renal failure. Two other patients are already admitted in this Salt Lake hospital. Swab samples of two patients admitted at Kolkata Port Trust Hospital, Alipore, tested at ICMR-NIRBI (National Institute for Research in Bacterial Diseases), formerly NICED, also confirmed the infection. Officials at the institute in Beleghata said that its lab has started receiving samples from hospitals that don't have testing facilities. Sources said officials of the institute held an initial round of talks with the health department and assured all possible assistance in case the number increases. "A couple of samples tested in our lab tested positive for Covid-19, including the Port Trust Hospital samples. While there is no reason to panic, we are prepared to play our role in case of a surge. Since we also have a VRDL lab, which can detect various types of infections, we can coordinate with the health department if the state wants," said ICMR-NIRBI director Santasabuj Das. At present, at least 20 Covid-19 patients are being treated in hospitals across the city, including two at Medical College Hospital Kolkata. Sources said that while most patients have comorbidities, at least three children and a few younger adults with no known comorbidities are also among the admitted patients. The health department is yet to come out with a directive on testing or treatment, or on the number of positive cases. "We have stepped up our surveillance activities," said a health official.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid cases reach 135 in Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah orders launch of dedicated helpline
Bengaluru: The number of Covid-19 cases in the state has reached 135, with 80 of them currently active, including 73 in Bengaluru. A total of 3,981 people have been tested so far. Monday, CM Siddaramaiah held a high-level meeting with ministers and officials of the health and medical education departments to assess the state's preparedness in light of the uptick in the cases. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The review was also prompted by the rise in infections in neighbouring states, including 95 cases in Kerala, 66 in Tamil Nadu, and 56 in Maharashtra. Officials informed the CM that while Karnataka has seen only one or two Covid-19 cases from Jan till recently, the fourth week of May saw a noticeable spike, including one serious case. SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) surveillance is already underway. To support the public, Siddaramaiah ordered the launch of a dedicated Covid helpline. "If the situation escalates, screening units must be reintroduced at airports to monitor arriving passengers. Health department personnel should remain on duty and avoid taking leave during this critical period," he said. The CM directed officials to ensure that all necessary medical infrastructure, such as ventilators, oxygen supplies, essential medicines, and hospital beds, is fully in place across district hospitals. "Although there is no cause for panic at this stage, the state must be prepared to handle any situation swiftly and effectively. Special attention must be paid to the health of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. They should wear masks as a precaution," he added. CM instructed the officials that pregnant women should not be transferred between hospitals during medical emergencies, and instead, every hospital must be equipped to care for them. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Parents should avoid sending children with fever, cold, or flu-like symptoms to school, and schools should send such children home through their guardians," he directed the officials. He assured that the state is already following the required protocol. As a precaution against possible mutations of the virus, he advised that vaccines be kept ready. Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "Testing kits have already been distributed to hospitals across the state. We've procured 5,000 RT-PCR kits, and the rest will arrive by tomorrow. Since the number of Covid-infected individuals is currently low, mandatory testing is being conducted primarily for those with respiratory and heart conditions at VRDL testing centres. As a precautionary step, we've also instructed officials to stock up Remdesivir injections. "
