Telangana gears up for COVID-19 spike, monsoon diseases: Health Minister

Hyderabad: Amid global concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and the onset of monsoon, Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha has assured that the State is fully prepared to tackle both the evolving pandemic scenario and seasonal disease threats.

In a high-level review meeting held on Saturday, Damodar Rajanarasimha assessed the State’s preparedness to handle the current COVID-19 situation and the expected rise in seasonal diseases during the monsoon. The minister was briefed by Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu, senior health officials, and epidemiologists.

Officials reported that while a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases has been seen in some countries, hospitalization rates remain low. In India, the situation is stable, with limited cases of the JN.1 variant—circulating since 2023 and currently not considered a major threat. No new advisories have been issued by the Union Ministry of Health.

Epidemiologists informed the minister that COVID-19 has been in the endemic stage for nearly three years and that periodic fluctuations in case numbers are to be expected. They also cautioned that the changing weather may lead to a rise in respiratory illnesses such as cold, cough, and fever.

The minister was assured that Telangana has adequate stocks of COVID-19 testing kits, medicines, and a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of managing sporadic cases. Officials emphasized that existing cases do not require hospitalization unless aggravated by comorbid conditions.

Urging the public to stay calm, the minister stressed the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and preventive care. He also directed health officials to continue monitoring national and international developments related to COVID-19 and to keep the public informed.

Focus on monsoon-related diseases

With the monsoon approaching, the Health Minister also reviewed the State’s preparedness to tackle seasonal diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. He appealed to the public to maintain environmental hygiene and eliminate stagnant water sources to prevent mosquito breeding.

The Health Department has been instructed to intensify public awareness campaigns across rural and urban areas and ensure the availability of essential medicines at all healthcare facilities.

Minister Rajanarasimha also called for coordinated efforts between the Health Department and other departments like Panchayat Raj and Municipal Administration for effective disease prevention strategies ahead of the monsoon.