Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 27: As per an affidavit filed in the state high court by the health department, monkey fever (Kyasanur Forest Disease) symptoms have so far been noticed among 1,512 persons spread over Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts.

This information came to the fore when the public interest litigation filed by Shivamogga-based advocates, K P Sripal and N G Rameshappa, seeking directions to the government to take appropriate measures to contain this deadly disease, came up for hearing on Tuesday. The petition was referred to a bench chaired by acting Chief Justice, L Narayana Swamy, and Justice P S Dinesh Kumar.

Public prosecutor, D Nagaraj, filed an affidavit on behalf of the government, deputy director of Virud Diagnostic Laboratory at Shivamoogga, and B S Shankarappa, state regulation and monitoring officer of Kyasanur Forest Disease.

As per this affidavit, 2,700 persons living in malnad region have been administered vaccines against this disease and 8,100 bottles of DMP oil have been distributed among the people. It confirmed that all necessary steps to stop the spread of the disease have been taken and internal coordination committee meeting of officials of all government departments were held in the affected districts and steps were taken to stop the spread of disease and provide treatment facilities to affected people.

"We have issued strict instructions to initiate disciplinary action against officials found to be guilty of dereliction of duty. A committee headed by retired IAS officer, Madan Gopal, has been formed to look into and recommend immediate precautionary measures as and when symptoms of the disease are noticed. Further steps would be taken once the committee submits its report," the affidavit has stated.