At monsoon relief camps, stress on precautionary measures to prevent Covid transmission, infectious diseases

Intensifying monsoon has aggravated the fears of infectious diseases outbreaks as well as increased transmission of Covid, especially in rain relief camps.

The rains may not have a direct bearing on Covid transmission but the infection can spread like wildfire in closed settings such as in relief camps, where isolation or physical distancing between people will not work.

The Health department has thus issued a special warning that all possible precautionary measures be taken in relief camps so that there are no chances of an enhanced transmission of Covid.

Covid cases have shown a spike in the State, which is being attributed to the increased circulation of the Omicron JN.1 and its sub-lineages, LF.7 and NB.1.8, which has been responsible for the resurgence in Covid cases in southeast Asian nations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. There are over 700 active cases of Covid in the State now, with most of the cases located in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Alapuzha

While these virus variants may not cause severe disease, its transmission potential remains high, putting the vulnerable population – the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with comorbidities – at risk.

Masking and hand hygiene are of utmost importance in preventing Covid and those in relief camps and these precautions are important to prevent Covid transmission in camps, Health department has said.

Those in camps with any respiratory symptoms, including running nose, cough or breathlessness should necessarily wear masks and camp inmates who newly develop symptoms should inform the Health authorities. Those found to be having Covid will be provided protocol-based care.

The threat of infectious diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis and Hepatitis A also becomes acute during the rainy season and this is something else that should be paid attention to in relief camps.

The Health department has asked local medical teams to visit relief camps and to ensure that any sick persons are cared for and that medicines are provided. Relief workers as well as volunteers who are likely to be in contact with stagnant rain water should opt for doxycycline prophylaxis to prevent leptospirosis.

The camp premises should not become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and should be kept clean. Only boiled water should be provided as drinking water in relief camps, the Health department has advised.

Published - May 30, 2025 08:10 pm IST