Mangaluru: Reports of 40+ COVID-19 cases at AJ Hospital ‘fake and baseless’; Hospital clarifies
Mangaluru: Following reports on social media that over 40+ people including hospital staff at AJ Hospital in Mangaluru had tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital has issued a clarification that the reports are baseless and fake and has no truth in it.
In an official press release the hospital asserted that the hospital was duly following guidelines set by the government and that there was no need for any patient or hospital staff to be worried when any hospital follows the proper guidelines issued by the government.
“Government has given guidelines on managing hospitals and all are following their norms. As per their protocols when a healthcare worker uses personal protective equipment’s (PPE), they need not be quarantined. The patients visiting hospitals also need not worry of cross infection when protocols are followed” the press release stated.
“But a false news are being spread in social media regarding hospitals and it’s reported 40+ positive patients in our hospital; this is baseless, government releases its bulletin every day and this news is far from truth. As per precautionary measure 25 staffs who were involved in managing her (P-1009) are kept under observation only. They are not tested positive at all” the statement added.
“This press release is issued to take the fear off from peoples’ mind regarding hospitals and healthcare workers; just clapping, lighting lamp and ringing bell is not sufficient, appreciate the efforts of COVID warriors and support them instead of defaming them” the hospital further urged people.
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Dengue fever cases surge in Udupi, health authorities launch larva survey to combat outbreak
Udupi: After the recent rains, Udupi district has witnessed a concerning increase in dengue fever cases, prompting swift action from health authorities.
The district's health department has launched a comprehensive larvae survey aimed at combating the outbreak.
With a focus on city areas where larvae infestation is suspected to be high, the department is spearheading an anti-larval and mosquito eradication programme across the district. Since January this year, Udupi has already reported 47 cases of dengue. Last year's total number of cases was 635.
Dr Prashanth Bhat, Udupi's district vector-borne disease control officer, emphasised the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and preventing water from stagnating, especially as the rainy season approaches. "Larvae are commonly found in unused freshwater, air coolers, and discarded tires. Early detection and elimination of these breeding grounds are crucial," Dr Bhat stated. Recalling last year's surge in dengue cases in Udupi city areas during October, efforts were mobilised to control the mosquito population.
Medical students from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, collaborated with the Department of Community Medicine, Udupi District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP), and District Health and Family Welfare Department to conduct mosquito control initiatives. Similar concerted efforts are underway this year to curb the spread of dengue.
Over the past few years, dengue cases in Udupi have fluctuated, with 513 cases reported in 2022, 380 cases in 2021, and 139 cases in 2020. Notably, the presence of migrant worker accommodation units in the district necessitates extra vigilance, as migrant labourers are considered a high-risk group for dengue fever, the official said.
