Rising pneumonia cases: State health dept publishes advisory

Bengaluru: In the backdrop of increasing cases of the highly contagious pneumonia virus in China, the Health Department on Tuesday issued a new set of precautionary measures, including protocols that were in place during the COVID pandemic.

Government and private hospitals are instructed to update about suspected cases daily on the IDSP-HIP website. Hospital staff are mandated to wear masks strictly.

Hospitals have been asked to reevaluate of arrangements made for handling COVID cases. Directives have been issued to provide necessary equipment like masks, oxygen beds, ICUs, ventilators, medication, PPE kits, N95 masks, medical masks, laboratories, ambulances, and other arrangements for the treatment of pneumonia in both children and adults.

Community-level surveillance teams are advised to actively conduct surveillance to identify areas where suspected cases or increased pneumonia occur and report to the IHIP.

Additionally, the IHIP must send the deceased individual’s sample to the nearest laboratory for investigation. Detailed test information must be submitted to the Health Department, the directive said.

Do’s and Don’ts: 

• Wear masks while sneezing and coughing.
• Wash hands with soap frequently.
• Avoid unnecessary touching of eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Maintain social distance in crowded areas.
• Maintain public hygiene.
• Consume nutritious food to boost immunity.
• Restrict travel for those unwell.
• If having a persistent cough, cold, or fever for 4 to 5 days, seek medical advise.
• Pregnant women should not self-medicate but should consult doctors.
• Visit the nearest hospital if symptomatic.
• Symptomatic individuals should isolate themselves at home.
• Symptomatic individuals should be isolated for 7 days.