Latest news with #VeenaGeorge
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
One more death takes Covid toll to eight; active cases surge to 1,435 in Kerala
T'PURAM/PATHANAMTHITTA : Kerala's latest Covid toll rose to eight as one more person died of the infection on Monday. Meanwhile, 35 new cases took the state's active case-load to 1,435, even as Health Minister Veena George attributed the surge to the state's commitment to accurate and widespread testing. With the latest deaths, Kerala's cumulative Covid death toll stands at 72,147 since the pandemic began. There have been 32 Covid-related deaths in the country this year, with the majority occurring after the surge in May. Before May 19, Kerala had reported just one death due to the virus. Health officials said most of the deceased had underlying health conditions. The current surge in cases is being attributed to the rapidly spreading Omicron JN.1 sub-lineages, especially LF.7 and NB.1.8. Surveillance was ramped up in the state after a spike in cases was observed in Southeast Asian countries at the end of April. The health department has made masks mandatory in hospitals and for healthcare workers. A few private hospitals have set up dedicated wards and ICU wings exclusively for Covid patients to prevent cross-infection. A screening process has been introduced for symptomatic individuals, especially those in high-risk categories. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the district Praveshanotsavam in Pathanamthitta, Veena attributed the rise in cases to the state's accuracy in Covid testing. 'Testing is being done and the numbers are being recorded accurately. So, there is no need to worry. We are monitoring the situation very closely,' she said. The minister said in view of the global surge in Covid cases, Kerala has ramped up testing. 'As a result, we are witnessing a spike in the number of cases. Other places have not initiated testing yet,' she said. Though the variant appears to be less severe, its potential for spread remains high, Veena noted while urging people to take precaution, including wearing masks. The health department has instructed district medical officers to monitor different areas for potential outbreaks and implement preventive measures. Veena stressed that those with pre-existing illnesses should take extra precautions, including wearing of masks, as Covid poses a greater risk to them. The minister also urged the people to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and reminded healthcare workers to strictly adhere to infection control protocols. matic individuals, especially
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Name slips to promote messages against drug abuse in schools
As schools reopen this week after the summer vacation, the children have something new awaiting them in schools. In an initiative targeted at schoolchildren, the Kerala's Drugs Control department is launching a series of name slips to drive home the message against drug abuse. The department is releasing colourful and attractive name slips which will feature popular cartoon figures and cinema/sports stars along with messages on the dangers of drug abuse and how children can keep the drug menace at bay. The idea is to make children aware from a very young age that they should stay away from drugs and how harmful drugs can be for health, Health Minister Veena George said in a statement here on Saturday. The name slips will be distributed to all schools by the General Education department. Antibiotic literacy This is not the first time that the Drugs Control department is using name slips to create awareness on socially relevant themes. Earlier, it had chosen the slips to educate children on antimicrobial resistance, as part of a campaign to promote antibiotic literacy amongst citizens. These name slips, carrying messages on AMR, had been released in Alapuzha district and had been very popular amongst children. Ms. George said the Drugs Control department has been taking stringent steps to curb drug abuse in the State and that recently, it had appealed to the Union Health Minister to intervene, to restrict the sale of drugs through online pharmacies.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Kerala Health Minister issues directives to prevent Covid spread in relief camps
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has directed officials to take measures to prevent the spread of Covid in relief camps, following a rise in cases. She confirmed the presence of the Omicron JN1 variant LF7 in the state, emphasising that while the variant is less severe, it remains highly contagious. 'Though this variant is less severe, we must remain cautious as it has the potential to spread quickly. Precaution is key to preventing Covid,' she said. To minimise risk, the minister advised people to wear masks as it is the most effective method of prevention. She also urged people to wash hands regularly with soap and use sanitizers frequently.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Patient technically Nipah-free: Min
Kozhikode: The 42-year-old woman who tested positive for Nipah virus at the Valanchery municipality in Malappuram on May 8 is now technically free of infection, as two of her samples have tested negative, health minister Veena George said on Friday. The patient is still under treatment at the Perinthalmanna EMS cooperative hospital. The minister said although the patient's condition is still serious, her vital parameters have been steadily improving. The patient has been out of ventilator support for the past 12 days and was breathing on her own without any respiratory support. Her heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were all within normal limits, and internal organs such as the liver and kidneys were functioning normally. While the patient is still unconscious, there were signs of gradual neurological improvement. Eye movement was observed occasionally and over the past two days, there was movement in the jaw and minor responses to pain. Follow-up MRI scans showed signs of healing from the impacts caused by the infection in the brain, the minister said. Authorities are hopeful that there won't be any new cases, as one full incubation period passed since the first case was detected, meaning if there were any infections from the Nipah-positive patient, they would have manifested by now. However, helplines and support systems will remain in place for a few more days as a precaution. There is optimism that the patient may return home in a few weeks with full physical and mental recovery.
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Nipah patient in Kerala declared virus-free, recovering says Health Minister
Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Friday confirmed that the state's sole Nipah virus patient in Malappuram district has tested negative in two consecutive samples and is now considered 42-year-old woman from Ward 2 of Valanchery municipality, who tested positive for Nipah on May 8, was undergoing treatment at EMS Cooperative Hospital in Perinthalmanna.'The patient has been off ventilator support for the past 12 days and is now breathing independently. Internal organs like the liver and kidneys are also functioning normally. Although the patient has not yet regained full consciousness, brain activity is gradually showing signs of improvement," said Health Minister George in an official According to the hospital's intensive care team the MRI scans of the patient are showing healing in areas previously damaged by the virus. Subtle responses to pain and movements in the eyes and jaw have also been were hopeful the patient could be discharged in the coming weeks with full physical and mental recovery, George minister said that the incubation period for the virus has now passed without any new cases being reported. However, support services and helplines will continue for a few more days as a patient continues to be under close observation by a full critical care team at the EMS Cooperative George emphasised that the patient received advanced treatment, including Remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies provided by the Indian Council of Medical Research. "When Nipah first struck Kerala, the fatality rate exceeded 90 per cent. However, since 2021 with use of antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibody treatment, the rate has dropped, falling to 33 per cent in 2023," she by Debosmita Maity Must Watch
