Health dept. warns of widespread Covid community transmission in Nagaland

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Dec. 19 (EMN): Nagaland is facing the risk of widespread Covid-19 community transmission due to ‘unlimited commercial events, parties and avoidable social gatherings’, according to the Health department.

In its weekly bulletin, the department of Health and Family Welfare stated that December is witnessing events and social gatherings “on an alarming scale at a crucial point in our fight against the pandemic”.

“High asymptomatic cases in the state could mean there are undetected silent super spreaders and cases will manifest only weeks after the event in high-risk people. The high sample positivity rate also points to undetected cases in the population.

“Fifty percent of all traced contacts or cases from the community are in the 21-40 years age group. The uncontrolled spread among this age group is increasing risk in the higher age groups. Covid-19 appropriate behaviours are not maintained in such events/gatherings,” it stated.

50% rise in hospital admissions

In the past week that ended on December 18, the state recorded 198 fresh cases and two deaths, with 83% of the cases from traced contacts/within the community.

Weekly percentage of traced contacts or cases from the community increased from 1% in the first week of July to 83% as of this week, it informed.

“The situation is more alarming unlike earlier days when cases were mostly confined within the quarantine centres. Covid-19 hospital admissions have increased 50% from last week signifying increase in moderate to severe cases.

“Weekly sample positivity rate is one of the highest in the country at 10%. Out of 63 Covid-19 deaths in the state (as of December 18), 64% are below 60 years of age. Diabetes and hypertension are the most commonly associated co-morbidities,” the department stated.

As of December 18, a total of 33,410 contacts have been traced by surveillance teams out of which 14,216 are primary contacts, it added.

“Household (29%) and workplaces (24%) continue to be most common places of infection. Positivity rate among cases attending flu clinics continue to rise at 13% (636/4811). These cases either had or have symptoms or got tested for travel/ surgery purposes. They had or have no history of travel or contact with a confirmed case,” it informed.