Serotype - II dengue
Centre warns 11 states about 'emerging challenge' over more dangerous dengue strain
New Delhi/IBNS: The Centre has asked 11 states to ramp up their medical preparedness with early detection, fever helplines, stocking of adequate testing kits, larvicides and medicines to tackle a more dangerous strain of dengue they have been reporting.
The government cautioned the states following a high-level review meeting of the COVID-19 situation.
The Centre asked the states to deploy rapid response teams for the immediate investigation of the "emerging challenge" of Serotype-II Dengue.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said the strain is related to more cases and more complications than other forms of the disease.
The states were also asked to launch campaigns regarding helplines, methods of vector control, source reduction at homes and symptoms of dengue.
The states reporting Serotype - II dengue cases are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, MP, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
Earlier in August and on September 10, the Health Ministry had issued advisories to these states on Dengue.
On COVID-19 management, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan directed 15 states reporting a high positivity rate over 5% to ensure necessary precautions and effective enforcement. Among these states, there are 34 districts crossing 10% positivity rate, the Health Secretary said.
In view of the forthcoming festival season, states were directed to ensure all necessary precautions and effective enforcement for the avoidance of mass gathering and congested closed spaces.
"Existing guidelines regarding malls, local markets, and places of worship are to be strictly followed. States were urged to undertake effective IEC for promotion of COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) and COVID safe festivities. They were advised to closely monitor the case trajectories in all districts on a daily basis to identify early warning signals and ensure the imposition of restrictions and adherence to CAB," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.
The meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba was attended by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog. It also included Chief Secretaries, Additional Chief Secretaries (Health), Principal Secretaries (Health), Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors and other senior officials of States and UTs
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