On March 11, the Center voiced concern over a gradually rising COVID-19 positivity rate in some States, saying it needed to be addressed right away in light of an increase in situations of the seasonal influenza subtype H3N2. On Saturday, 456 additional COVID-19 cases were reported nationwide.
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The Center asked that all States and Union Territories adhere to operational guidelines for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens that manifest as cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) or influenza-like illness (ILI). (SARI).
Additionally, the States were tasked with assessing hospital readiness, including the supply of medications, medical oxygen, and influenza and COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote on Saturday to States and UTs, “While the COVID-19 trajectory has decreased substantially in the last few months, the steady increase in COVID-19 test positivity rates in some States is an alarming problem that needs to be quickly addressed.
Despite a low number of new cases, an equally low number of hospitalizations, and crucial advances made in terms of COVID-19 vaccination coverage, Mr. Bhushan said there is a need to remain attentive and focus on the five-fold strategy of test, track, treat, vaccination, and adherence to COVID-appropriate action.
Eyes on seasonal diseases:
A recent meeting was held to review the present scenario with the Central Ministries, departments, and organizations involved in light of the rising trend in other ILIs and SARIs being observed in some States and UTs across the nation.
While influenza is an annual seasonal occurrence, in the present season, a diversity of weather conditions and behavioral reasons — less than adequate attention to particular hygiene, coughing without adequate protection, closed indoor gatherings of people, etc. — make the surroundings conducive to the circulation of several viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, etc.) and adenoviruses, he mentioned.
According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), which collects data from States and UTs, ILI/SARI cases are on the rise nationwide, according to Mr. Bhushan.
Furthermore, since the latter part of December of last year, influenza A has been on the rise, according to integrated sentinel-based surveillance of ILI and SARI.
“The prevalence of influenza A (H3N2) being found in the samples being examined in various labs is of special concern. The fact that children, the elderly, and those with co-morbidities are especially susceptible to H1N1, H3N2, adenoviruses, etc., should also be kept in mind, he added.
In addition, he added, nearly 25.4% of respiratory samples tested positive for adenoviruses since January 1 according to testing done by different viral research and diagnostic labs (VRDLs).
“In order to reduce transmission of these diseases, it is important to push community awareness regarding adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene and encouraging early reporting of symptoms, and restricting contact of those people who are struggling from respiratory illness,” Mr. Bhushan wrote in the letter.
New COVID-19 cases:
India added 456 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, bringing the total to 4.46 crore, and the number of current cases rose to 3,406, according to the Union Health Ministry. According to data updated by the Ministry at 8 a.m., the death toll is 5,30,780, with one death recorded in Gujarat.
There have been a total of 4.46 crore (4,46,89,968) instances reported in the nation to date.
According to the Ministry, the nationwide COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.80%, and cases currently make up 0.01% of all infections.
A record 4,41,55,782 individuals have recovered from the illness, while the case fatality rate was 1.19%.
The Ministry reports that a countrywide immunization campaign has resulted in the administration of 220.64 crore doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in the nation to date.
