Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Sep 18: With cholera cases emerging in some parts of the district, deputy commissioner Dr K Vidyakumari has urged the public to prioritize cleanliness to prevent the spread of the disease.
Presiding over the district-level surveillance committee and dengue coordination committee meetings held at the Rajatadri district office, Dr Vidyakumari said that 11 cases of cholera had been reported in the past week. Five cases were reported in the jurisdiction of Eedu Primary Health Center in Karkala, while vomiting and diarrhea cases in Malpe, Shirva, Kaup, and Kemmannu were confirmed as cholera. She stressed the importance of public awareness and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of cholera.
She emphasized the need for maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings, washing seafood thoroughly before consumption, and ensuring proper hand hygiene before cooking and eating. "It is crucial to wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before meals," she added.
Hotels and restaurants must serve hot water for drinking and wash utensils with hot water. Proper handwashing after handling seafood is essential, and roadside food and items sold from pushcarts should be avoided. Schools, colleges, and anganwadis should raise awareness about the importance of washing hands before meals.
Cholera is a severe infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water, often leading to dehydration. The bacteria Vibrio cholerae spreads in areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms like severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration require immediate medical attention, Dr Vidyakumari explained.
Regarding dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which spread through Aedes mosquito bites, she urged people to prevent stagnant water around homes to avoid mosquito breeding. The local administration and health departments were instructed to test well and tap water in both urban and rural areas to ensure its safety for consumption.
She also mentioned the ongoing Swachhata Seva campaign from September 14 to October 2, encouraging the public to maintain cleanliness around their homes. Local bodies were advised to prioritize cleanliness at public places such as bus stops, railway stations, and public toilets.
In the meeting, a presentation was given by Manipal Institute of Technology on their newly developed app, Janani, aimed at improving maternal health. Zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Boyal, MIT director Dr Anil Rana, MIT deputy director Somasekhar Bhat, district health officer Dr I P Gadad, district malaria officer Dr Prashant Bhat, municipal commissioner Rayappa, and other officials were present.