Ahmedabad: The state is reeling under Chandipura virus (CHPV), recording the highest number of cases and deaths in the country. This follows outbreaks of cholera in multiple districts and mumps earlier this year. Given the recent pattern, can diseases, particularly those transmitted by animals, birds and other organisms, be accurately predicted? What underlying factors contribute to these outbreaks?
A study revealed the state’s increased susceptibility to brucellosis (a bacterial infection also known as Malta fever), rabies transmitted through dog bites, and avian flu affecting birds, animals, and humans based on multiple risk factors.
The findings were the outcome of two rounds of stakeholder meetings involving public health experts and representatives of animal husbandry, health and forest/wildlife departments convened by the Centre for One Health Education, Research and Development (COHERD) at the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPH-G). The meetings covered the states of GujaratRajasthan and Maharashtra.
The findings were published recently in the research paper, ‘Prioritisation of Emerging and Epidemic-prone Diseases and Risk Factors in India’s Three Western States Using the One Health Risk and Disease (OHRAD) Prioritisation Tool’, authored by Sandul Yasobant, K Shruti Lekha and Shailee Patil among others. The authors are from IIPH-G, DMIMS Wardha, University Hospital Bonn in Germany and Parul University.
Prof Deepak Saxena, director of IIPH-G, said that the concept of One Health emphasizes understanding risk factors through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“In the meetings too, we had officials from health and family welfare, animal husbandry, agriculture and wildlife departments. Their inputs on perceived risks and risk factors will help us prioritize preparations and resource utilization to tackle the diseases,” he said.
Dr Yasobant, co-lead of COHERD, added that it was for the first time that the tools were developed and standardized to understand the risk factors and diseases.
“We had earlier conducted a smaller exercise in Ahmedabad, but the recent meetings covered state-level issues. The strength of these tools lies in the involvement of diverse stakeholders including experts on climate change. By calculating the accumulated risks, we can prepare better for future epidemics,” he said.
We also published the following articles recently
Recent incidents of gym-related deaths in India have raised concerns about heart health during exercise. Without proper precautions, intense workout sessions can trigger heart attacks, particularly in individuals with underlying conditions. Key symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. Immediate medical attention and preventive measures like regular checkups and healthy lifestyles are crucial.
The state introduced a new scheme focusing on training in dairy, poultry, piggery, and goat farming through in-class and field programmes. Led by the animal husbandry and veterinary services departments in Curti, Ponda, it includes a two-year veterinary assistant course with a monthly stipend. Training also features stipends and support for travel and food.
A recent study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicated a significant rise in extreme rainfall events in India by the end of this century, attributed to high carbon dioxide emissions. The Western Ghats and central India are likely to be most affected.
