Kohima: The Department of Health and Family Welfare in Nagaland has issued a critical directive to top medical officials across the state, urging heightened vigilance in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases and the emergence of new variants.
This comes after the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) categorised variant NB.1.8.1 and four cases of variant LF.7 in India as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs). The alert specifically targets Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents, and District Hospital Administrators, stressing the imperative for enhanced surveillance, preparedness, and public education concerning both COVID-19 and Influenza infections. Districts like Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, and Mon are under particular scrutiny.
Acknowledging the shared clinical presentation of COVID-19 and Influenza, the department has reiterated the importance of adhering to basic health precautions. This includes avoiding congested and poorly ventilated spaces, maintaining impeccable hand hygiene, and consistent mask-wearing in enclosed environments. District Health Units are mandated to meticulously monitor Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), tracking trends, case clusters, and the proportion of SARI cases among all ILI/SARI presentations.
Community awareness campaigns are deemed vital, especially targeting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The advisory also calls for continuous mask usage by healthcare professionals, patients, and their attendants within medical facilities, alongside the public practicing respiratory etiquette and scrupulous hand cleanliness. Citizens are encouraged to undergo timely testing and report symptoms promptly, while also minimising personal interactions when afflicted with respiratory illnesses.
To bolster readiness, district health leaders have been advised to re-evaluate and fortify hospital preparedness. This encompasses ensuring ample supplies of medications, readily available ICU and isolation beds, sufficient medical oxygen, adequate PPE kits, and comprehensive staff training. Efforts to escalate vaccination coverage and testing capacities, employing both RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests, must align with MoHFW standards.
The directive underscores the necessity for proactive and coordinated efforts across all districts. Health officials are pressed to guarantee timely testing, reporting, and referral of a sufficient number of samples for both Influenza and COVID-19 testing, leveraging resources like the IDSP/IHIP. Regular updates and communication regarding the implemented measures in each district are mandatory to maintain an organised and effective response.
Through intensified vigilance and bolstered public awareness, the Health and Family Welfare Department aims to mitigate the impact of these new variants, ensuring the state’s healthcare system is well-equipped to manage potential outbreaks effectively. This comes at a pivotal juncture where heightened awareness is paramount for safeguarding public health.