Union Health Secy writes to States, UTs over rising H1N1, H3N2 cases
First Published: 11th March, 2023 16:20 IST
In the letter Bhushan said that it is important to raise community awareness regarding adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene, promoting early reporting of symptoms, and limiting the contact of
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan in a letter to the States and Union Territories on Saturday expressed his concerns over the rising trend in other Influenza-like Illnesses & Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ILIs/SARIs) being witnessed in some States/UTs across the country.
In the letter Bhushan said that it is important to raise community awareness regarding adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene, promoting early reporting of symptoms, and limiting the contact of those people who are suffering from respiratory illness.
“In the present season, a variety of weather conditions and behavioural reasons (like less than adequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without proper protection in close proximity of other people, closed indoor gatherings of people, etc.) make the environment conducive to the circulation of a number of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2 etc.), Adenoviruses, etc,” said Bhushan in the letter.
He added that special care should be taken in the case of young children, old age people and people suffering from co-morbidities who are particularly at risk and vulnerable to H1N1, H3N2, Adenoviruses, etc.
Bhushan also added that the gradual rise in COVID-19 test positivity rates in some States is a concerning issue that needs to be promptly addressed.
“Despite the low number of new cases, equally low number of hospitalisations and significant advances made in terms of COVID-19 vaccination coverage, there is still a need to remain vigilant and focus on the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour,” Bhushan said.
“In order to limit transmission of these diseases, it is important to raise community awareness regarding adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene, promoting early reporting of symptoms, and limiting the contact of those people who are suffering from respiratory illness,” Bhushan mentioned in his letter.
Bhushan also instructed the States/District Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units to monitor the proportion of SARI cases among all ILI& SARI cases in their respective areas, and refer the sufficient number of samples for testing for Influenza, SARS-COV-2 and Adenovirus.
“It would also be useful to take a stock of hospital preparedness including drugs, medical equipment, medical oxygen, etc., capacity building of human resources on existing guidelines as well as vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and Influenza,” added Bhushan.
Finally, Bhushan added that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will continue to closely follow the evolving situation and shall provide all required assistance if needed. (ANI)
Also read: Japanese Tourist, Who Was Harassed During Holi Celebrations, Leaves India
COMMENTS

TOPMOST STORY NOW

Live Despite ‘Landlocked’ Remark Row, Bangladesh’s Yunus Seen Beside PM Modi at BIMSTEC Dinner in Bangkok
03rd April 2025
Live Massive Protest Rally Held in Nagaland’s Noklak Against FMR Scrapping, Border Fencing
03rd April 2025
Live TIPRA Motha Won’t Compromise on Indigenous Rights: Pradyot Debbarma
03rd April 2025
Live EAM Jaishankar Slams Bangladesh’s Yunus for ‘Landlocked Northeast’ Remark
03rd April 2025WE RECOMMEND

Is Uploading Your Photo to AI Image Generators Including Ghibli-Style a Privacy Risk? Here’s How to Keep Your Biometric Data Safe
Ghibli-Style Image ChatGPT: As AI trends continue to grow, it is essential to stay alert about the potential risks.
02nd April 2025
A Sacred Journey, A Compassionate Heart: Anant Ambani Stops His Padayatra to Save Trapped Hens
Anant Ambani Stops His Padayatra to Save Trapped Hens: Anant Ambani seen holding a hen in front of a cage containing several trapped birds.
01st April 2025
Who is Nidhi Tewari Appointed Private Secretary to PM Modi?
Nidhi Tewari hails from Mehmurganj in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which has been PM Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency since 2014
01st April 2025
India hands over 50 tons of relief material to Myanmar
More than 2,000 people are now confirmed dead in Myanmar.
01st April 2025
Delicious Eid party platter ideas to impress your guests
Eud: Here are some delicious Eid party platter ideas that are sure to wow your guests
31st March 2025