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Health Ministry Issues Guidelines Ahead of Summer Heatwave: Key Precautions

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As the summer season approaches, the Ministry of Health has taken proactive steps to ensure public safety amidst rising temperatures and potential heatwaves. Here are the key precautions outlined by the Ministry following a review meeting led by Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya: Review Meeting Highlights: The Union Health Minister chaired a review meeting with stakeholders to assess preparedness in tackling heat-related illnesses. Dr. Bharati Pawar, MoS (Health), Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog, and Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary (Health), were among the dignitaries present. Importance of Awareness: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the importance of continuous efforts to generate awareness among people for better management of heatwaves. Timely and wide-reaching awareness can significantly reduce the severe impact of heatwaves. Guidelines for Heatwave Management: Dos: Stay hydrated Block direct sunlight Remain covered Stay indoors during 12 pm – 4 pm Don’ts: Avoid going out between 12 pm to 4 pm Minimize outdoor activities in the sun Avoid cooking from 2 pm to 4 pm Never leave kids and pets unattended inside a vehicle Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, sugary drinks, and fizzy drinks Refrain from walking barefoot Additional Precautions: Monitor the health of elderly or sick individuals living alone daily. Keep homes cool using curtains, shutters, or sunshades, and open windows at night. Prefer lower floors during the day and use fans and damp clothes to cool down the body. These guidelines supplement earlier precautions provided by the Health Ministry to combat the effects of rising temperatures. By adhering to these measures, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with heat-related illnesses and ensure their well-being during the summer months.  

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Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape

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Delhi has reported its first case of the JN.1 COVID variant, as per live updates on the pandemic. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has promptly issued guidelines in response to this new case. As of December 26, India has recorded a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases, according to sources from the Health Ministry. The distribution of cases reveals 36 in Gujarat, 34 in Karnataka, 14 in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 6 in Kerala, 4 in Rajasthan, 4 in Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana. Wednesday witnessed a spike in the daily COVID-19 cases in India, with 529 new infections reported in a single day. The active infection count in the country stands at 4,093, with three new fatalities documented within 24 hours – two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. This surge in cases follows a period of relative decline, with daily case numbers dropping to double digits until December 5. The resurgence is attributed to the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the WHO has emphasized that, based on current evidence, the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low. The classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest underscores the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the evolution of the virus.

Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape Read More »

Health Ministry Issues Alert on Covid-19 Subvariant JN.1: Guidelines and Concerns Amid Rising Cases

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The Indian government has issued an alert to states regarding the emergence of the new Covid-19 subvariant, JN.1, as cases continue to rise in Kerala and 15 cases have been detected in samples from Goa. The Health Ministry emphasized that it is not yet clear whether an infection caused by JN.1 produces different symptoms or is more severe than other variants. The ministry stated that there is currently no indication of increased severity from JN.1, and there is no evidence that it presents an increased risk to public health compared to other circulating variants. Experts, including Dr. GC Khilnani, reassured that the elderly and those with comorbidities are not at an increased risk compared to other variants. General precautions such as handwashing and avoiding crowded areas during the festive season are recommended. The existing treatment for COVID-19 is expected to be effective against JN.1, and updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide increased protection. RT-PCR tests remain the most reliable method for detecting the new subvariant. As the festive season approaches, the Health Ministry stressed the importance of adhering to respiratory hygiene norms, including wearing masks in enclosed and crowded spaces, frequent handwashing, and social distancing. States, such as Karnataka, are taking additional measures, mandating face masks for the elderly and those with comorbidities. The Health Ministry is conducting intensified surveillance at various levels, including laboratories, communities, and sewage, to monitor and report cases of influenza-like illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness. The global concern over JN.1 is due to its immunity-evading capacity, leading to rapid spread, with outbreaks reported in the US, China, and Singapore. JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage of SARS-CoV-2.

Health Ministry Issues Alert on Covid-19 Subvariant JN.1: Guidelines and Concerns Amid Rising Cases Read More »

AIIMS Delhi Identifies Cases of ‘Walking Pneumonia’-Causing Bacterium; Ministry Dismisses Link to China’s Recent Outbreak

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The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has identified seven cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the bacterium associated with ‘Walking Pneumonia.’ The cases were detected between April and September this year and were reported in a study published in the Lancet Microbe journal. Notably, ‘Walking Pneumonia’ cases have been reported globally since October, including in China. Contrary to concerns about a link to the recent surge in respiratory infections in children, especially in China, the Union Health Ministry clarified that these seven cases have no connection to the ongoing outbreaks. The ministry stated that the cases were part of an ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi, spanning April to September 2023, and reassured the public that there’s no cause for worry. The ministry emphasized that no Mycoplasma pneumonia was detected in the 611 samples tested at AIIMS Delhi from January 2023 to the present, and there has been no surge reported in any part of India. AIIMS Delhi is part of a global consortium monitoring the spread of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the surveillance is conducted only at specific centers, including AIIMS Delhi. The study highlighted the re-emergence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Europe and Asia more than three years after the introduction of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. ‘Walking Pneumonia’ is a milder form of bacterial infection that resembles a cold, allowing infected individuals to continue with daily activities. The infection is particularly risky for individuals aged 2 or younger, 65 or older, those with weakened immune systems, chronic respiratory conditions, or exposure to crowded places. Symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, chest pain, low-grade fever, chills, cough, sneezing, and headache. Preventive measures recommended by health experts include proper respiratory hygiene, regular handwashing, wearing masks around sick individuals (especially for those with respiratory conditions), getting an annual flu shot, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, and timely medical intervention using antibiotics and over-the-counter medicines. The Union Health Ministry continues to collaborate with state health authorities, closely monitoring the situation and providing timely updates to the public.

AIIMS Delhi Identifies Cases of ‘Walking Pneumonia’-Causing Bacterium; Ministry Dismisses Link to China’s Recent Outbreak Read More »

Health ministry initiates training programme for CGHS employees

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The week-long training programme created specifically for administrative medical officers of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) will soon improve their ability to use and handle technology, as well as their ability to manage and communicate with others. The senior medical officers from various CGHS offices and wellness centres will benefit from the training and orientation programme, which was developed by CGHS in partnership with the National Institute for Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) and adheres to the Prime Minister’s mantra of “skill, reskill, and upskill.” Starting on August 1 and continuing through August 6, the thorough training will train 70 officers in two batches. These officers will not only be able to increase their managerial and administrative abilities, but they will also emerge with stronger and more compassionate personalities. This training programme is being implemented at a time when CGHS is rapidly digitising its services and launching new health modalities. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Health, spoke on how advancement is only possible for organisations and people who are always learning. He emphasised the significance of constantly being in a state of learning and being open to learning from and imparting information to one another. With its network reaching 75 cities throughout India and operating over 450 wellness centres, CGHS today has a significant presence.

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