Kathmandu, June 2 -- Facing the potential threat of new coronavirus variants emerging within the nation, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division announced that they have provided field epidemiology training to more than 150 healthcare professionals.
Authorities state that these field epidemiologists will be sent out for monitoring the coronavirus, investigating outbreaks, and conducting contact tracing, along with other tasks, should a disease outbreak occur.
Dr. Chandra Bhal Jha, who serves as the director of the division, stated, “We have finished the field epidemiology training for the tenth group of healthcare professionals.” He further explained, “Every cohort includes more than 15 healthcare providers. These trained individuals will be deployed for monitoring COVID-19 should an epidemic break out within our nation’s borders.”
Authorities state that field epidemiologists serve as the frontline defenders during public health crises such as widespread outbreaks of infectious viruses similar to the coronavirus. These professionals receive training in monitoring disease patterns, investigating epidemic origins, analyzing data, and communicating about risks. Their role involves curbing the transmission of lethal illnesses through strict implementation of preventive strategies, pinpointing infection sources, and mitigating overall public health hazards.
In the past, we lacked enough field epidemiologists, so to bridge this gap, we chose to provide training to healthcare personnel working in government-operated medical centers," stated Jha. "Our aim is to manage potential threats more effectively in the future.
Authorities expected an impending surge in infections due to a new strain of coronavirus, following a significant rise in case numbers in neighboring India.
Media reports indicate that India documented 3,395 ongoing COVID-19 cases along with four new fatalities from the states of Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and the national capital territory of Delhi on Saturday. Since January, a total of 26 coronavirus-linked deaths have been reported across the country.
The country to the south has likewise verified the appearance of four additional sub-variants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 under Omicron, along with XFG and JN.1.
In addition to India, multiple nations such as Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong (China), and the United States have likewise experienced an uptick in COVID-19 infections.
The World Health Organization has categorized NB.1.8 subvariant as one being monitored. According to the United Nations' health agency, based on current evidence, the extra public health risk presented by NB.1.8.1 is assessed as minimal at a worldwide scale.
"Even though there has been a simultaneous rise in cases and hospitalizations in certain countries where NB.1.8.1 is prevalent, present data suggest that this variant does not cause more serious disease compared to other circulating strains," states the WHO announcement.
Specialists indicate that even if the latest coronavirus strain turns out to be relatively benign, older individuals and those with pre-existing health issues could still experience serious reactions upon infection.
They warned that the virus might enter Nepal anytime because of its close geographical location and the movement of individuals from nations experiencing an increase in cases. In the past, the country has faced COVID-19 outbreaks following spikes in other countries.
With several years having passed since numerous individuals received the COVID-19 vaccination, authorities indicate that their immune response has diminished.
People really need to start being cautious and adhere to preventative actions such as wearing facial coverings, practicing hand hygiene, and steering clear of crowded areas," stated Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, who leads the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital. "It’s crucial we protect those within our households who may be more susceptible and continue following these precautions. Enhanced monitoring strategies should be implemented, and individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms ought to undergo testing for the coronavirus.
At the same time, authorities from the Ministry of Health and Population admit to having insufficient supplies of rapid diagnostic test kits, reagents, and vaccine doses, even as the risk of disease outbreaks has increased.
Dr. Tanka Barakoti, the director-general of the Department of Health Services, stated, “We recognize the potential dangers and are diligently tracking the progress in adjacent nations.” He added, “The virus typically requires two to three weeks to reach Nepal following an incident in India. Consequently, we’ve informed all relevant departments as per this alert.”
Specialists are urging the relevant authorities to enhance monitoring efforts, such as administering COVID-19 tests to individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Additionally, they have called upon citizens to adhere to fundamental precautions—wearing facial coverings, practicing hand hygiene, and steering clear of crowded areas—to minimize transmission risks.
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