logo
Heavy rains likely across TG; health advisory issued

Heavy rains likely across TG; health advisory issued

Hans India2 days ago
Hyderabad: With IMD-Hyderabad forecasting light to moderate rain for the next seven days and issuing a heavy rain warning for the upcoming two days across Telangana, the Health Department on Sunday released a general health advisory urging the public to adopt safety measures.
The advisory highlights that these weather conditions, characterised by lower temperatures and higher humidity, could lead to a rise in seasonal illnesses, particularly vector-borne, waterborne, and airborne diseases.
To guard against these, the department has offered several tips for staying healthy during this monsoon season.
To combat the mosquito menace and prevent Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya, residents are advised to ensure doors and windows are secured with mosquito nets/screens, and beds and cribs are covered with mosquito nets. The use of mosquito repellents is also recommended as a precaution. Maintaining domestic drains to prevent water stagnation and covering domestic septic tanks with a mesh to inhibit mosquito breeding are crucial steps. Furthermore, the observance of a 'Friday-Dry Day' every week is encouraged to eliminate stagnant water around homes.
To prevent waterborne infections such as Acute Gastroenteritis, Jaundice, and Typhoid, the public is advised to drink filtered or boiled water and wash hands meticulously, especially before and after meals. Eating stale food from outside should be avoided.
Regarding airborne infections like viral fevers and Influenza, the advisory recommends avoiding handshakes with sick individuals, or when one is unwell.
Frequent use of hand sanitisers is advised to prevent infection, and a handkerchief should be used when sneezing or coughing. If anyone develops flu-like symptoms such as a cough with fever, headache, sore throat, and accompanying body pains, they should seek medical attention at nearby government health facilities. In case of a health emergency, citizens are urged to dial 108 for Ambulance Services.
As part of precautionary measures, the government has made elaborate arrangements, providing special beds, intravenous (IV) fluids, and essential medicines at all public health facilities.
Director of Health Dr Ravinder Nayak confirmed that medicines and ORS sachets are readily available with Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Anganwadi workers to address any exigencies.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

First Malaria drug for children and infants gets approval
First Malaria drug for children and infants gets approval

United News of India

time6 hours ago

  • United News of India

First Malaria drug for children and infants gets approval

Bern, July 8 (UNI) Drug manufacturer Novartis has received approval from Swiss authorities for its new Malaria drug named Coartem. Coartem is the world's first ever Malaria medication suitable for the use on newborn children and infants. The development of the drug is very significant as overwhelming majority of the malaria related deaths are in the under five age group. Following this development, production and distribution of the drug is expected to start in the next few weeks in Africa. Most of the Malaria related deaths are recorded in the African continent. Malaria accounted for more than half a million deaths in the world in 2023. Uptill now babies were treated with an experimental dosage of the drug meant for older children, putting them at several risks including overdose and more. UNI XC RKM AAB

Kerala On Alert After Nipah Virus Cases: Know Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Kerala On Alert After Nipah Virus Cases: Know Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

NDTV

time12 hours ago

  • NDTV

Kerala On Alert After Nipah Virus Cases: Know Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

The health department in Kerala has stepped up vigilance against an outbreak of the Nipah virus after two positive cases of the deadly zoonotic disease were detected in two districts. Officials said that alerts have been issued in the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad, where over 400 people are in the contact list of the two cases, which were confirmed after samples were tested in NIV-Pune. To manage the situation, ambulance services, including the Kaniv 108 fleet, have been placed on standby. Fever surveillance has also been intensified in the affected areas, and the Health Minister has emphasised the importance of providing psychological support to those under observation. Amid the rising concerns over the spread of the deadly virus, here's everything to know about the Nipah virus. What is the Nipah virus? Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly fatal zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. It causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), respiratory distress, and in many cases, death. The deadly virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 and has since triggered several deadly outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia. In Kerala, the first outbreak in 2018 claimed 17 lives. The Nipah virus is primarily spread from fruit bats to humans. Contact with infected bats, their saliva or contaminated food can transmit the virus. Human-to-human transmission has also been observed, particularly through respiratory droplets and bodily fluids. Nipah virus symptoms Initial symptoms of Nipah virus include fever, headache, muscle pain, dizziness and drowsiness. As the disease progresses, symptoms can escalate to encephalitis (brain inflammation), seizures and confusion. Respiratory issues such as cough and sore throat may also appear. In severe cases, the virus can lead to coma and death. The Health Department has urged the public to remain alert, avoid consuming fruits bitten by bats, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise. Nipah virus treatment There is currently no vaccine for Nipah. Health officials often focus on supportive care, including maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and addressing symptoms as they arise. Nipah virus prevention The World Health Organisation recommends minimising contact with fruit bats and pigs, especially in outbreak areas. Ensure food is thoroughly cooked and avoid consuming raw or partially cooked fruits. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and using personal protective equipment, are essential in preventing the spread of the virus.

Nipah virus in Kerala: Over 400 under surveillance, containment zone declared; One critical, one dead
Nipah virus in Kerala: Over 400 under surveillance, containment zone declared; One critical, one dead

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

Nipah virus in Kerala: Over 400 under surveillance, containment zone declared; One critical, one dead

Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that 425 individuals have been placed on the Nipah virus contact list across the state. Malappuram district has reported the highest number of contacts at 228, followed by 110 in Palakkad and 87 in Kozhikode. Among those identified, one person has tested negative. Health authorities have launched extensive surveillance and containment measures in response. What is Nipah virus and where it started Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly fatal zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. It causes acute encephalitis, respiratory distress, and in many cases, death. The virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 and has since led to multiple deadly outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia. Kerala has experienced six such outbreaks, making it the most Nipah-affected state in India. The state's first outbreak in 2018 occurred in Perambra, Kozhikode, and resulted in 17 deaths, including that of nurse Lini Puthussery, who contracted the virus while treating the index patient. Investigations later confirmed that fruit bats , also known as flying foxes, were the likely source. Nipah virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals such as pigs, consumption of fruits or palm sap contaminated by fruit bats, and human-to-human transmission via bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Nipah virus symptoms and precautions Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, seizures, coma, and encephalitis. There is currently no vaccine for Nipah virus, and treatment is primarily supportive. Live Events The Health Department has advised the public to stay alert, avoid consuming fruits bitten by bats, and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms occur. Containment measures underway in affected districts In Malappuram district, field operations are focused on tracing the source of the outbreak and halting further spread. Surveillance has been conducted in 20 wards across the panchayats of Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Koottilangadi, and Mankada. A total of 65 teams visited 1,655 households for door-to-door awareness and contact tracing. The survey was led by Dr N.N. Pameela, with support from C.K. Suresh Kumar, M. Shahul Hameed, and epidemiologist Dr Kiran Raj. The team's report has been submitted to District Medical Officer Dr Renuka. In Palakkad, one individual is in isolation while 61 healthcare workers have been identified as close contacts. The health department has opted for local isolation with samples sent for testing. A three-kilometre radius around the patient's house has been declared a containment zone, with strict surveillance being carried out by the district collector and district police chief, said Kerala's Health minister to PTI. A Malappuram native, had succumbed to the virus last week as reported by PTI. In Kozhikode, all 87 individuals on the contact list are healthcare professionals who may have been exposed during treatment or response activities. Coordination efforts and resource deployment Route maps of confirmed cases in Palakkad and Malappuram have been released to support contact tracing and raise public awareness. Ambulance services, including the Kaniv 108 fleet, have been placed on standby. Fever surveillance in the affected regions has also been strengthened. The Health Minister stressed the importance of providing psychological support to individuals under observation. Fruit bats are once again suspected to be the source of the virus. A high-level review meeting chaired by Veena George was convened in the district. The session included senior officials such as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, the NHM State Mission Director, the Director of Medical Education, Additional Directors, District Collectors, District Medical Officers, police officials, and representatives from other departments.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store