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Kerala

All articles tagged with #kerala

health3 months ago

Kerala Battles Rising Brain-Eating Amoeba Cases Amid Political Controversy

Kerala, India, is experiencing an increase in cases of the rare and deadly brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, with improved detection and early treatment reducing fatalities. The state's reliance on groundwater and natural water bodies, combined with climate change, heightens the risk of infection, prompting public health measures focused on awareness, water safety, and early diagnosis to combat the disease.

health2 years ago

Rising Concerns: JN.1 Covid Variant Gains Attention

Kerala health minister Veena George reassured the public that the situation is under control as the state reported 265 fresh Covid cases, including the JN.1 variant. The minister stated that the transmissibility of the variant is higher, but the severity is less. Experts have found no evidence suggesting increased severity or complications. The health ministry has not made RT-PCR tests mandatory at airports yet, but all states and Union Territories have been alerted to be prepared. JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the omicron variant with enhanced immune-evasion properties, but it does not exhibit new or severe symptoms.

health2 years ago

Rapid spread of JN.1 variant prompts increased surveillance and mask mandates in Kerala and Karnataka

As Covid-19 cases rise in Kerala, surveillance has been increased in Maharashtra following the detection of the JN.1 subvariant. The majority of cases in Kerala are clinically mild and recovering at home, but public health measures are being implemented to minimize transmission risks during the upcoming festive season. District health authorities in Maharashtra have been directed to evaluate hospital readiness, establish isolation wards, and conduct regular surveillance of Covid-19 and influenza cases. Sewage-waste water sampling is also being conducted for timely detection of new variants. The JN.1 subvariant, classified as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization, has not shown an increase in hospitalization so far.

health2 years ago

Karnataka and Kerala Take Action Against Covid Surge

The Karnataka government has made it mandatory for individuals above 60 years of age and those with comorbidities to wear face masks amid the growing scare of the Covid-19 subvariant JN.1 in neighboring Kerala. The state has increased testing and surveillance in border districts with Kerala, but there are currently no restrictions on movement or gatherings. The JN.1 variant, also known as Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 or Pirola, has mild symptoms and high transmissibility. India has recorded 260 new Covid-19 infections, with the total case tally at 4.50 crore.

health2 years ago

Karnataka Health Minister Urges Mask-Wearing for Senior Citizens Amid Kerala's Covid Surge

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has advised senior citizens with co-morbidities in the state to wear masks as a precautionary measure amid a surge in Covid cases in neighboring Kerala. The state government is closely monitoring the situation and has ordered hospitals in districts surrounding Kerala to be alert and equipped. The minister assured that the situation is under control and emphasized the importance of preparedness to prevent a disaster. The Union Ministry of Health has initiated preparedness measures after a case of the JN.1 subvariant of Covid was identified in Kerala.

health2 years ago

Rising Covid Cases in Kerala Prompt Mandatory Masks for Seniors in Karnataka

The Karnataka government has made it mandatory for individuals above 60 years of age, with comorbidities and symptoms of cough, phlegm, and fever, to wear face masks due to the detection of a case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 in neighboring Kerala. Increased testing and surveillance in border districts, such as Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, and Chamarajanagara, have been instructed, while no restrictions on movement or gatherings have been imposed yet. The government will monitor the situation daily and issue further advisories if necessary. Hospitals and health centers have been instructed to be prepared, and a mock drill has been conducted to check their readiness.

health2 years ago

"Indian States Address Rising Covid Cases: JN.1 Variant, Mask Mandates, and Increased Testing"

Kerala state in India has urged caution but advised against panic as Covid-19 cases rise following the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus. The World Health Organization has stated that all approved Covid-19 vaccines will still provide protection against JN.1. Kerala currently has 1,324 active Covid-19 cases, with officials attributing the increase to the state's high testing rate. However, it is unclear how many of these cases are related to the JN.1 variant, as only a small number of samples are routinely genome sequenced. State health minister Veena George reassured the public that the situation was under control.

health2 years ago

Rapid Spread of JN.1 Covid Variant Raises Concerns

The JN.1 variant of COVID-19, which is believed to be more infectious, has been detected in Kerala, India. The variant, also known as BA.2.86 or Pirola, has caused a surge in infections worldwide. However, health authorities have stated that there is no need to panic, but vigilance is crucial. Symptoms of the variant include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and mild gastrointestinal problems. Vaccinations targeting the spike protein of the virus should still be effective against this variant. Individuals are advised to wear masks, undergo testing if they experience viral infection symptoms, and isolate themselves if necessary.

health2 years ago

Rapid Spread of New COVID-19 Variant JN.1 Raises Concerns

A case of the JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19, currently spreading in the US and China, has been detected in Kerala, India. The Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation and conducting a mock drill to assess public health and hospital preparedness. While there has been an increasing trend of COVID-19 cases in Kerala, most are clinically mild and recovering at home. The JN.1 variant is a close relative of the Pirola variant and carries one additional mutation in the spike protein. Current vaccines have shown effectiveness against Pirola and are expected to protect against JN.1 as well. Experts recommend following standard preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene.

health2 years ago

Kerala Reports U.S.-Prevalent JN.1 Subvariant of Omicron Spreading Ahead of Holidays

Kerala has reported the presence of the JN.1 subvariant of the Omicron variant, raising concerns about COVID-19. However, experts have stated that there is no need to worry at this moment, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring. The JN.1 subvariant, part of the BA.2.86 lineage, was first detected in Luxembourg and has immune-evasion properties. While it exhibits symptoms such as fever, coughing, and nasal congestion, there have been no severe cases or deaths associated with it. The World Health Organization classifies it as a "notable descendent lineage" with potential increased transmissibility, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently reports no evidence of increased public health risk or severity compared to other variants.

tragedy2 years ago

Tragedy Strikes: Deadly Stampede at Indian Concert Leaves 4 Dead and Dozens Injured

Four people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede at a concert at Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kerala, India. The incident occurred when people rushed inside an auditorium for cover during rain, causing a crowd rush. The injured were taken to local hospitals, with at least four in critical condition. The university cancelled several events following the tragedy.

crimeincident2 years ago

Kerala Blast Toll Rises as 12-Year-Old Victim Succumbs to Injuries

The death toll from the blast at a prayer meeting in Kerala, India, has risen to three after a 12-year-old girl died from burn injuries. Over 2,000 people were gathered for the Jehovah's Witness meeting when the explosion occurred. The girl, who had severe burns covering 95% of her body, was among the over 50 people injured in the blast. A man claiming responsibility for the attack has surrendered to the police, but the motive remains unknown. Authorities have launched an investigation, and federal investigative agencies have been deployed to assist.