Amid a backlog of cases of the seasonal H3N2 flu subtype, the Center on Saturday expressed concern about a slow rise in COVID-19 positivity rates in some states and said it needed to be addressed quickly.
The Center called on all states and union territories to adhere to operating rules for built-in surveillance of respiratory pathogens presenting as influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (AIRS).
States were also asked to provide updates on hospital preparedness, such as availability of medications and medical oxygen, COVID-19, and flu vaccination coverage.
“While the trajectory of COVID-19 has been particularly slow in recent months, the slow accumulation of positivity rates from COVID-19 controls in some states is a worrying factor that needs to be addressed quickly,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter. to the states and UT on Saturday.
Despite a low number of new cases, an equally low number of hospitalizations and significant progress in terms of COVID-19 vaccination coverage, Mr. Bhushan said, it is mandatory to remain vigilant and in the five-pronged strategy of testing, monitoring, treatment, vaccination and compliance with Covid-adapted behaviors.
In light of the upward trend in other ILI and AIRS observed in some states and UTs across the country, an assembly was recently held to review the current situation with the relevant ministries, departments and central organizations.
While influenza is an annual seasonal event, in the existing season, a variety of weather situations and behavioral reasons (insufficient attention to personal hygiene, coughing without sufficient protection, indoor closed gatherings, etc. ) make the environment conducive to the flow of a number of viral respiratory pathogens such as influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, etc. ) and adenoviruses, he said.
Under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), as reported across states and UTs, an increase in ILI/AIRS is observed across the country, Mr. Bhushan.
In addition, according to the Integrated Sentinel Surveillance for ETI and AIRS, an increase in influenza A has been observed since part of last December.
“The prevalence of influenza A (H3N2) detected in laboratory tested samples is of particular concern. It should also be noted that young children, the elderly, and others with comorbidities are at risk and vulnerable. H1N1, H3N2, adenovirus, etc. ” he said.
In addition, since Jan. 1, according to breathing pattern tests conducted through viral studies and diagnostics laboratories (VRDL), only about 25. 4 percent of patterns have tested positive for adenovirus, he said.
Although most of these agents regularly cause a similar and self-limiting mild disease that manifests itself through acute respiratory infection accompanied by fever and cough, in some cases, especially in the elderly, obese and other comorbidities, as well as in pregnant women, inflamed people may suffer a more severe manifestation of those diseases that require hospitalization, under pressure Mr. Bhushan.
“To restrict the transmission of those diseases, it is to teach the network about breathing and hand hygiene, announce early notification of symptoms, and restrict contact with others with respiratory diseases,” Mr. Bhushan wrote in the letter.
In terms of the required public fitness movements, state and district IDSPs closely monitor the trend of ILI and AIRS in their respective areas, control the proportion of cases, and submit sufficient samples for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and adenovirus screening.
“All states and UTs will have to put into effect in letter and spirit the ‘Operating Rules for the Revised COVID-19 Surveillance Strategy’ that contemplate the built-in surveillance of respiratory pathogens that present themselves as ILS/AIRS,” the letter reads.
(With the exception of the title, this story has not been edited through NDTV and is published from a syndicated feed. )
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