Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi/Mangaluru (MS)
Udupi/Mangaluru, Dec 1: The health department of twin districts is planning to conduct vaccination campaign for children to prevent brain fever in future.
The campaign will be held from December 5 to 25. All children in the age group of one to 15 will be vaccinated. There are five lac children in total in Dakshina Kannada and 2.17 lac in Udupi district.
Instructions are given by the government to hold vaccination drive in the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Bagalkot, Gadag, Hassan, Haveri, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru, Ramanagara and Yadgiri. Departments of education, health and Asha workers will coordinate the drive.
All children between one and 15 years of age will be vaccinated in schools. Those who are not going to schools will be given vaccination through Outreach vaccination camp. A mark on left hand thumb will be made after every child receives the vaccination for identification purpose.
Brain fever is caused by Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) that is carried by Culex mosquitoes. Vaccination is very effective against this dreaded disease. Children who get affected by the disease are likely to develop nerve weakness, hampered intelligence and permanent disability.
Main symptoms of brain fever are fever, headache and weakness. As the fever increase, neck pain, vomiting and trouble in speaking can be seen. In addition, Paralyisi might also affect the infected person.