Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Sep 20: District in-charge minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has announced that the district administration is fully prepared to address the potential threat of the Nipah virus, which has recently caused an outbreak in neighboring Kerala. He made this statement during a meeting held at the DC office on Wednesday, September 20, where he chaired discussions with officials from Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar.

During the meeting, minister Rao emphasized the need for vigilance in districts sharing a border with Kerala. "We are conducting meetings with the officials of four districts that share a border with Kerala—Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar. So far, no Nipah virus cases have been reported in the district, and there are no suspected cases. We have urged all private hospitals and clinics to be cautious and to inform health officials if they come across any such cases. We have also set up checkposts at the border to screen people. Especially in HD Kote in Mysuru, they will be much more cautious, as the area where the outbreak occurred in Kerala is very close by," said Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

He added, "No cases should be reported in the district. We need to be more cautious and alert. The Nipah virus has no cure, a high fatality rate, and no proper treatment procedure, only symptomatic treatment will be given. We have urged everyone to maintain surveillance for the next 20 days until the incubation period lapses. After that, we can relax. At the same time, district administration should coordinate with Kerala officials as well. The public should not be afraid or panic, as we are ready and alert. We need to be cautious."

Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also discussed measures to address issues at Wenlock Hospital. "There is a requirement for new furniture and equipment in the new surgical specialty block. Even a new tender will be finalized regarding the dialysis unit; 15 dialysis machines are currently in operation after undergoing repairs. I will make a detailed review of the development work at Wenlock Hospital during my next visit to Dakshina Kannada."

The meeting was attended by deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan and Zilla Panchayath CEO Dr Anand.