Covid cases in AP reignite calls for heightened surveillance and caution

Two COVID-19 deaths and new cases in Andhra Pradesh have triggered alerts in neighbouring states. Odisha has tightened border surveillance, while Telangana is yet to issue a formal advisory despite rising respiratory infections.

Hyderabad: The death of two individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 and subsequent detection of active cases in Andhra Pradesh have reignited concerns over a possible localised uptick of similar infections in neighbouring States, including Telangana.

While the current Covid-19 infections in Andhra Pradesh appear to be sporadic, given the history of rapid transmission associated with SARS-CoV-2 variants, doctors in Hyderabad have urged the general public to exercise caution, especially from upper respiratory tract infections.

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The present uptick of Covid infections has forced the health department of Andhra Pradesh to issue immediate surveillance alerts. The local public health wings in AP have already alerted the general public on the importance of taking precautions.

Following the AP alert, the State government in Odisha has directed districts to tighten vigilance, particularly in border areas and ensure testing for anyone presenting with symptomatic respiratory issues, even though no positive cases have been confirmed there yet.

In contrast, the health department in Telangana is yet to issue a formal advisory to the public, who are currently seeing a seasonal rise in upper respiratory illnesses, including viral fevers, influenza, and pneumonia.

At present, in Hyderabad and other urban centres including Warangal, the Basthi Dawakhanas are only extending treatment for viral infections. So far, the Public health department is yet to launch a concerted effort to track the spread of Severe Acute Respirator Infections (SARI) and Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI) in Telangana.

Senior health authorities in Hyderabad have said that the Union Health Ministry is yet to issue any kind of advisory or an alert on the issue of Covid-19 cases.

“It would be too premature to start any kind of Covid-19 screening programme in Basthi Dawakhanas in Telangana. The Covid-19 virus is already endemic and people should realise that every year, during monsoons and winter, such cases will get reports,” public health specialists in Hyderabad said.

Precautions from SARI/ILI:

• Prioritize hand hygiene by frequent washing with soap and water
• Maintain cough etiquette by covering mouth, nose with tissue or bent elbow while sneezing or coughing
• Maintain distance from individuals with SARI and ILI
• Elderly, chronic NCD patients and pregnant women can get annual flu vaccine after consulting a doctor
• Focus on maintaining clean surfaces by cleaning/disinfecting them regularly
• Avoid going out in public places when sick with viral fevers, ILI and SARI