State has recorded 723 cases of ILI, 37 cases of SARI
Dimapur, March 13: The State’s Health and Family Welfare Department has issued an advisory in the light of increasing cases of influenza-like Illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses (ILI/SARI), commonly referred to as seasonal flu, across the country.
Factors such as inadequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without protection in close proximity of other people, closed-door gathering, etc., contribute to increased transmission of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, etc.) including COVID-19, it stated on Monday.
“While most of these pathogens typically cause mild and often self-limiting illness manifesting as acute respiratory infection with fever and cough, in some cases, particularly amongst young children, old age people, people with obesity and other co-morbidities (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic renal and liver disease, etc.) as well as pregnant women may suffer from more severe manifestation of these diseases requiring hospitalisation”, the advisory read.
In order to limit the transmission of these diseases, Department advised the following: respiratory and hand hygiene; covering one’s mouth and nose with tissue/handkerchief/elbow when coughing or sneezing; avoiding spitting in public places; using of mask in crowded environment; frequent hand washing; early reporting of symptoms to healthcare workers to initiate early care and treatment; and limiting contact of those people who are suffering from respiratory illness.
“The Integrated Disease Surveillance Program of the Department of Health & Family Welfare is undertaking real time surveillance of cases of Influenza-like illness (ILI) & Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
“As per data available, there are 723 reported cases of Acute Respiratory Infections/ILI and 37 cases of SARI. Though, these reported cases have not been laboratory confirmed. Moreover, a close watch is also kept on all hospital admissions with breathing difficulties”, it stated.
Dos and Don’ts for infection prevention and control
Dos
1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Wear masks and avoid crowded places.
3. Cover mouth & nose while sneezing
4. Avoid touching eyes and nose.
5. Take plenty of fluids
6. Take Paracetamol for fever and body ache.
Dont’s
1. Shake hands or use contact greetings.
2. Spit in public.
3. Take antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor.
4. Eat together sitting close to others.
(Page News Service)
