Tag Archives: public health

Newsbeat

4th Case of Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba in Kerala

Kozhikode, Kerala: Another case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and deadly brain infection caused by an amoeba in contaminated water, has been reported in Kerala. A 14-year-old boy from Payyoli in North Kerala is currently being treated for the infection at a private hospital.

This marks the fourth case since May, all involving children. Sadly, three of the infected children have died.

In the latest case, the boy was admitted to the hospital on July 1. A doctor treating him reported that his condition is improving thanks to the prompt identification of the infection and immediate treatment with medicines, including some from abroad.

Earlier this week, another 14-year-old boy from Kozhikode succumbed to the infection. Prior to that, a 5-year-old girl from Malappuram and a 13-year-old girl from Kannur died on May 21 and June 25, respectively.

To prevent further infections, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a meeting on Friday. It was suggested that people avoid bathing in unclean water bodies and ensure proper chlorination of swimming pools. Children, who are most affected by this disease, should be especially cautious when entering water bodies. Using swimming nose clips was also recommended to prevent infection.

Experts explained that the infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose from contaminated water.

Previously, cases of this disease were reported in coastal Alappuzha district in 2023 and 2017.

Source.

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Reducing Telangana’s C-Sections

Telangana’s C-Sections Rates: Urgent Steps Needed to Reduce Unnecessary Surgeries

Telangana is leading the country in the number of C-section deliveries, according to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-20). In cities, 65% of pregnancies, and in rural areas, 59% of pregnancies result in C-sections.

In Hyderabad, it’s crucial for the Health Department to take action to maintain important health measures like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), and C-section rates.

We need to build on existing efforts to control these rates and focus on reducing unnecessary C-sections, which have become a common practice among families. This requires continuous effort and long-term planning.

The previous government started various initiatives to tackle this issue. Recently, there has been progress in encouraging pregnant women to use government hospitals for delivery and promoting the importance of safe natural births.

In October 2021, 61.41% of deliveries in both private and government hospitals were C-sections. However, by October 2022, this decreased to 54.49%, showing a 7% drop.

Efforts have also been made to provide additional support, such as midwives and educational programs for pregnant women. These include teaching simple exercises and counseling sessions to raise awareness about the benefits of natural delivery.

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Hyderabad Braces for Unusually Warm Makar Sankranti

Hyderabad Swaps Bonfires for Breezers: Unusually Warm Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, a festival traditionally associated with bonfires and winter chills, is taking an unexpected turn in Hyderabad this year. The city is bracing for unusually warm weather, with temperatures significantly higher than the typical winter norms.

A Stark Contrast to the Past

Residents are accustomed to bundling up during Makar Sankranti, which marks the sun’s entry into the Capricorn zodiac sign. However, the past few days have seen above-average maximum and minimum temperatures, and meteorologists predict this trend will continue for the next five days.

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Hyderabad: Illegal Mehendi Factory Busted, Toxic Dye Seized

IMD’s Forecast: Hot and Misty

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts an average minimum temperature of around 19 degrees Celsius over the next five days, with highs exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. This is a significant departure from the usual Makar Sankranti weather, which is typically marked by chilly mornings and pleasant afternoons.

Saturday’s Scorcher Sets the Tone

On Saturday, Hyderabad experienced a minimum temperature of 19.4 degrees Celsius, surpassing the typical mark of 16.2 degrees Celsius. The day remained hot and humid, with a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 75%.

Similar Conditions Expected in Neighboring Districts

The unusual warmth is not limited to Hyderabad. Neighboring districts are also expected to experience above-average temperatures for the next five days.

What Does This Mean for Makar Sankranti Celebrations?

The unusually warm weather may dampen some of the traditional Makar Sankranti festivities. Bonfires, a popular way to ward off the winter chill, may be less appealing in the current conditions. However, residents can still enjoy other aspects of the festival, such as kite flying and feasting on traditional sweets.

Possible Reasons for the Warmth

The exact reasons for the unusual warmth are still being studied by meteorologists. However, it is likely that a combination of factors, such as El Niño and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, are playing a role.

Impact on Agriculture and Public Health

The warm weather may have implications for agriculture and public health. Farmers may need to adjust their planting schedules, and people should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.

Overall, the unusually warm Makar Sankranti in Hyderabad is a reminder of the changing climate. While it may disrupt some traditional festivities, it is also an opportunity to adapt and find new ways to celebrate this important festival.

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Hyderabad: Illegal Mehendi Factory Busted, Toxic Dye Seized

Hyderabad: Cracked Down on Spurious Mehndi! Toxic Cones Seized, Shakil Industries in Crosshairs

Hyderabad, Telangana: In a swift crackdown, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) Telangana has shut down a spurious mehendi cone manufacturing unit operating illegally in Mehdipatnam. Acting on intelligence, officials raided Shakil Industries and seized a massive stock of ‘Special Karachi Mehndi Cones’ found to contain the harmful synthetic dye, picramic acid.

The raid was triggered by Drugs Inspector J. Kiran Kumar, who received reports of a suspicious mehendi product circulating in the market. After identifying Shakil Industries as the manufacturer, he sent samples for lab testing. The results confirmed the presence of picramic acid, a banned substance unsuitable for henna cones according to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations.

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Osmania University Ladies Hostel: Lunch Served with Worms

Further investigation is underway, and Mohammed Yousuf Ali, the proprietor of Shakil Industries, faces legal action. The DCA press release emphasized the dangers of cosmetics produced in unlicensed facilities, highlighting their potential lack of quality and potential for harmful ingredients. They urge consumers to be vigilant and look for the ‘Licence’ details on cosmetic labels before purchase.

Source.

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Osmania University Ladies Hostel: Lunch Served with Worms

Worms in Lunch Spark Outrage and Protest at Osmania University Ladies Hostel

Osmania University’s Ladies Hostel became the scene of a shocking protest on Tuesday as students found their lunch infested with worms. This repulsive discovery fueled outrage and prompted residents to stage a demonstration, holding up their contaminated plates as grim evidence.

“How can we be expected to eat food crawling with worms and insects?” exclaimed a protesting student, questioning the university administration’s commitment to basic hygiene. The students’ anger stemmed not only from the immediate incident but also from repeated complaints about unhygienic food that had fallen on deaf ears for months.

They further alleged that raising concerns resulted in threats of admission cancellation from the administration, adding fuel to their frustration. Their demands were clear: immediate rectification of the food quality and removal of the hostel director, Kalyana Lakshmi, who they held responsible for the persistent neglect.

This incident raises serious concerns about student well-being and the responsibility of educational institutions to provide a safe and healthy environment. The protest highlighted the urgent need for transparency and accountability in addressing issues related to food quality and hostel management. Hopefully, the students’ voices will be heard and lead to swift action to ensure their rights to basic necessities like clean and edible food are respected.

Source.

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COVID JN.1 Cases: 682 Across 12 States

Latest Update: JN.1 Sub-Variant COVID-19 Cases Reach 682 in 12 States – What You Need to Know

As of January 7, the number of COVID-19 cases related to the JN.1 sub-variant has reached 682 across 12 states in India, according to official sources.
 
The list of all the occurrences that have been noted is as follows: There were 199 cases reported in Karnataka, 148 in Kerala, 139 in Maharashtra, 47 in Goa, 36 in Gujarat, 30 in Andhra Pradesh, 30 in Rajasthan, 26 in Tamil Nadu, 21 in Delhi, 3 in Odisha, 2 in Telangana, and 5 in Haryana.
 
Officials emphasized that while the number of cases is increasing and the JN.1 sub-variant is present, there is no immediate cause for concern. Most infected individuals are opting for home-based treatment, indicating mild illness.
 
The central government has urged states and Union territories to stay vigilant due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant. States are advised to follow operational guidelines for revised surveillance strategies and monitor and report cases regularly.
 
While JN.1 is thought to represent a “low” Worldwide public health concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as a “variant of interest” because of its rapid dissemination. The JN.1 sub-variant was previously categorized as part of the BA.2.86 sub-lineages, which is itself a variant of interest, according to the WHO.
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Kerala Reports 90% Fresh Covid-19 Cases In India

Kerala Witnesses Alarming Surge: 90% of India’s Fresh Covid-19 Cases; Omicron Variant Detected | Latest Updates and Implications

New Delhi: There has been a sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Kerala, with two deaths from the virus reported this month. According to official figures, the state reported 470 cases in November, and 825 new ones within the first ten days of this month, the highest in India.

Rising Cases in Kerala

The state of Kerala has witnessed a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, with 90% of the fresh cases in India being reported from the region. The numbers have escalated from 470 cases in November to a concerning 825 new cases in the first ten days of December, making it the highest in the country.

Underlying Causes

Patients admitted to hospitals with respiratory symptoms are testing negative for H1N1 but positive for Covid-19, according to Dr. Sunny P. Orathel, the state hospital medical superintendent. He notes that, in some cases, symptoms persist for a month or two, and the current aggravation might be linked to atmospheric pollution and climate change.

Severity and Vulnerability

While the majority of cases are not severe, individuals with existing comorbidities and low immunity remain vulnerable. Health experts emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of the virus despite the relatively low severity of cases.

Omicron Variant Concerns

Recent reports suggest the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron variant in Kerala, sparking fresh concerns. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance and continuous monitoring as the situation unfolds. If the cases continue to rise, the Kerala government may consider imposing restrictions and preventive measures in sensitive areas.

Regional and Global Impact

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has confirmed the presence of the JN.1 variant in Kerala. This variant has also been detected in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Indonesia, where authorities are responding by making masks mandatory at airports.

 

Covid-19 Cases in India

 

According to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, India recorded 237 new coronavirus infections on Friday, with active cases increasing to 1,296. The total death toll stands at 5,33,310, and the national recovery rate is reported at 98.81%. While the overall recovery is promising, the recent single-day rise of 252 new infections marks the highest since June 2 this year.

 

Symptoms of COVID-19 to Watch Out For

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights common symptoms of COVID-19, including fever or chills, cough, breathlessness, fatigue, and muscle or body aches. Individuals may also experience less common but serious symptoms like pink eyes, swollen eyes, fainting, and more. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.

 

As the situation unfolds, health authorities are urging the public to adhere to safety measures and stay informed about the evolving nature of the pandemic.

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DrinkPrime Expands Its Reach to Hyderabad

DrinkPrime Expands Its Reach to Hyderabad with a New Production Facility

DrinkPrime, a Bengaluru-based startup offering innovative IoT-enabled water purifiers, is making significant strides in expanding its presence across India. The company has announced its plans to set up a new production facility in Hyderabad, a move that will not only bolster its manufacturing capabilities but also strengthen its commitment to providing clean drinking water solutions to the city’s residents.

A Commitment to Clean Drinking Water

Founded in 2016 by Vijender Reddy Muthyala and Manas Ranjan Hota, DrinkPrime is driven by a mission to provide accessible and affordable clean drinking water to households across India. The company’s IoT-enabled water purifiers stand out from traditional models by offering real-time monitoring of water quality and consumption through a user-friendly mobile app.

Expanding Footprint in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, with its growing population and rising demand for quality drinking water, presents a strategic opportunity for DrinkPrime to expand its reach. The company’s decision to establish a production facility in the city aligns with its vision to cater to the specific needs of Hyderabad’s residents.

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Key Highlights of DrinkPrime’s Expansion in Hyderabad

Establishment of a new production facility to enhance manufacturing capacity
Recruitment of 20 additional team members to strengthen operations
Aim to reach one lakh households in Hyderabad within the next year
A Positive Impact on the Hyderabad Community

DrinkPrime’s expansion to Hyderabad marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to revolutionize the water purification industry in India. With its innovative technology, customer-centric approach, and commitment to social responsibility, It is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people.

 

Newsbeat

Hyderabad Fake Doctor Arrested

HYDERABAD, India – A 30-year-old man from West Bengal was arrested on Saturday for practicing as a fake doctor in Hyderabad.

Tuhin Kumar Mandal had completed his Class X education and migrated to Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh in 2012. He joined as an assistant to a doctor who treated piles patients.

In 2016, Mandal came to Hyderabad and started a clinic of his own, where he began treating patients for piles.

Acting on a tip-off, the Hyderabad task force arrested Mandal and seized material from his clinic. Further investigation is underway.

Mandal’s arrest is a reminder to the public to be vigilant and to only consult qualified doctors for medical treatment.

 

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