Latest news with #KKRajaram
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Nipah scare resurfaces in Malappuram as containment zones declared in 20 wards
Kozhikode: With Nipah scare resurfacing in Malappuram following the death of an 18-year-old girl hailing from Makkaraparamba, govt authorities have enforced containment zones in 20 wards spread across Makkaraparamba, Kootilangadi, Kuruva and Mankada grama panchayats. Malappuram district collector V R Vinod said containment zone restrictions would be imposed in wards 1-13 of Makkaraparamba panchayat, wards 11 and 15 of Kootilangadi panchayat, ward 14 of Mankada panchayat and wards 2, 3, 5 and 6 of Kuruva panchayat. People in containment zones have been asked to avoid gatherings. Shops and business establishments, except medical shops, are to function only from 8am to 6pm. All educational institutions within the containment zones should remain closed. As part of general curbs in the district, people have been advised to avoid social gatherings as far as possible and wear face masks while venturing out and during gatherings. Route map released: Health department released the route map of the 18-year-old girl, who died at Meitha hospital in Kozhikode on July 1, with timestamps on her locations and travel since June 23 when she developed fever and other symptoms. According to the route map, the girl developed fever and headache on June 23 and remained in her house by taking self-medication on June 24. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like local network access control Esseps Learn More Undo On June 25, she went to the Makkaraparamba mini clinic along with her mother in an autorickshaw at 12 noon and returned home in half an hour. On June 26, she went back to the Makkaraparamba mini clinic in an autorickshaw at 9am and proceeded to Malappuram cooperative hospital in an autorickshaw and then to Kottakkal MIMS hospital in a private vehicle where she was admitted to the ICCU in the afternoon. She was shifted to the MICU on June 27. On June 28, the patient was shifted in a mobile ICU ambulance to Meitra hospital, Kozhikode where she died on July 1. Her funeral was held at Makkaraparamba Juma Masjid on July 2. The health department has asked people who were present at the locations during the specified times to contact the helpline numbers (0483 2735010, 0483 2735020). Meanwhile, Kozhikode DMO K K Rajaram said the patient did not have any public contact in Kozhikode.
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Nearly 82 lakh people in Kerala at high risk of tuberculosis, says health department
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state health department has mapped 81.6 lakh individuals at high risk of tuberculosis (TB) as it plans pro-active measures for early detection and treatment, as part of its aim to eliminate the disease. These individuals were surveyed from 18 vulnerable groups, including people with uncontrolled diabetes, kidney ailments, past or familial history of TB, and those living in overcrowded, socio-economically disadvantaged areas, such as tribal and coastal regions. Despite a decline in overall TB cases, the disease remains a leading cause of death in the state. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, Kerala records six TB-related deaths every day — adding up to 2,123 fatalities annually. The state has intensified efforts for early detection of the disease. In 2023, over 21,500 new cases were identified by screening 5.44 lakh people. A recent 100-day campaign by the State TB Cell screened 53 lakh people and detected 5,588 cases. Health experts stress that detecting TB before symptoms appear is crucial to cutting transmission and reducing the disease burden. 'A patient with pulmonary TB becomes infectious once symptoms appear, particularly coughing. Unfortunately, many self-medicate or ignore symptoms, which facilitates spread. Men are more susceptible, but less likely to attend screening camps, partly due to the stigma surrounding the disease,' said Dr Aparna Mohan, WHO consultant. She warns that one symptomatic TB patient can infect up to 15 others a year. AI X-ray units In a decisive step aimed at eliminating the disease, the State TB Cell is set to deploy artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled hand-held X-ray units to screen vulnerable groups. These portable, battery-operated devices provide high-resolution imaging with low-dose radiation (6mA) and can be easily set up at local health centres, halls, or community settings — removing logistical barriers for hard-to-reach groups. 'The Central TB Division will provide two hand-held X-ray units to each district, and additional devices are being procured using CSR funds,' said state TB officer Dr K K Rajaram. Annual chest X-rays will be offered free of cost, especially targeting coastal communities whose work patterns often prevent them from attending regular camps. 'With portable X-ray machines, we can reach them on their own terms,' Dr Aparna added. If the AI analysis flags an abnormality, patients will undergo confirmatory molecular tests such as CBNAAT and TrueNAT. Those testing positive will be administered immediate treatment, in line with national guidelines. If a person is TB negative she or he may be referred to a physician to determine other cause of lung abnormality. According to the National TB Prevalence Survey, nearly 43% of cases would be missed without chest X-ray screening--underscoring the critical role of imaging in disease detection.
