273 COVID cases in Kerala, more patients in Kottayam; Health Minister instructs districts to strengthen surveillance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Due to the significant rise in COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asian countries, Health Minister Veena George has instructed districts to strengthen surveillance. She emphasised the need to identify areas with increasing COVID cases and coordinate responses accordingly. Districts have been directed to report COVID-19 cases accurately. The minister issued these instructions during a meeting with district medical officers and district surveillance officers.

273 COVID cases have been reported in the state in May alone. The district-wise breakdown so far is: Kottayam – 82, Thiruvananthapuram – 73, Ernakulam – 49, Pathanamthitta – 30, and Thrissur – 26.

Self-protection is key in preventing the spread of COVID. Individuals with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough, or breathing difficulty must wear a mask. It is advisable for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with serious illnesses to wear masks in public and while travelling. Masks are mandatory in hospitals, and healthcare workers must strictly use them. Unnecessary hospital visits should be avoided. Frequent handwashing with soap is recommended.

Efforts to control infectious diseases must be intensified. Caution is also advised against diseases like cholera and hepatitis A. Legal action should be taken under public health law against those who contaminate drinking water. Awareness campaigns should be strengthened. Individuals infected with hepatitis A must strictly follow health workers' instructions during the contagious period.

Preventive measures:

• Those infected with hepatitis should not cook food, as the disease can spread through contaminated food.
• Infected individuals should isolate themselves and avoid contact with others.
• They should not work in food service.
• Personal items, including clothes used by the patient, should not be shared with others and must be disinfected using bleach solution.
• Drink only boiled water.
• Ensure drinking water sources are not contaminated.
• Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet.
• Elderly people, pregnant women, children, and those with comorbidities should be extra cautious.

As it is the monsoon season, diseases like dengue, leptospirosis, and waterborne illnesses are more likely to spread, so heightened vigilance is necessary. Local self-government bodies should prepare micro-plans and intensify field-level activities. Hotspots should be identified, and coordinated action should be taken. Ensure that source reduction activities are properly carried out at the local level, and that no disease clusters form. Availability of medicines should be ensured. Attention must also be given to preventing diarrheal diseases.

The meeting was attended by the NHM State Mission Director, Director of Health Services, Additional Director of Health, district medical officers, and district surveillance officers.