New Delhi: As some states in the country see a rising trend in Influenza-like Illnesses (ILIs) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARIs), Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote to chief secretaries, principal secretaries and health secretaries of all states and union territories asking them to closely follow the cases.
Bhushan wrote to the states after a review meeting which was held recently chaired by NITI Aayog Member (Health) and him to take stock of the current situation with concerned Central Ministries, Departments and Organisations.
He said while Influenza is a common occurrence during season changes, in the current situation, there have been a variety of weather changes. Adding to this, he mentioned behavioural changes of people like less than adequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without adequate protection nearby make the environment favourable for the circulation of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (HINI, H3N2 etc.). Adenoviruses, etc.
Bhushan said while the trajectory of Covid-19 cases has “decreased substantially” in the last few months, the rise of Covid-19 test positivity rates in some states is concerning.
“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 a fivefold strategy of test-track-treat vaccination and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour.”
He stated that while the illnesses are mild and self-limiting, in some cases, manifest acute respiratory infection with fever and cough in the elderly, people with obesity and other comorbidities like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease etc. as well as pregnant females are likely to suffer severe manifestation of this disease which may result in hospitalisation.
“Since January 1, 2023, as per testing of respiratory samples being undertaken by various ICMR'S VRDL network labs, almost 25.4% of the samples have tested positive for Adenoviruses”, Bhushan wrote.
He said that it is important to raise community awareness regarding adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene, like covering one's mouth and nose with a tissue/elbow when coughing or sneezing. Also, promoting early reporting of symptoms, and limiting contact with those people who are suffering from respiratory illness.
He advised all states and UTs to implement 'Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in Context of COVID-19' to take a stock of hospital preparedness including drugs, medical equipment, medical oxygen, etc.