Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)

Udupi, Mar 5: "If anyone spreads false information and scary messages on social media, strict action will be taken against such people," said Sudhir Chandra Sooda, District Health Officer (DHO).

Speaking to Daijiworld on Thursday, March 5, Sooda mentioned a recent incident and said, "A 75-year-old elderly person, resident of Muniyalu village of Karkala taluk and his wife had been to a tour of Israel for 10 days and returned recently. They were suffering from normal cold. They were admitted to the district hospital at Ajjarakad in Udupi on the night of Wednesday.

"In addition, to cold, the couple were also suffering from diabetes and blood pressure due to their age. They were having breathing difficulties too. They are kept in a separate ward and are monitored. However, there is no alarming abnormality in their health. Their blood sample is sent to laboratory in Bengaluru for testing on the morning of Thursday and the results are expected in on Friday."

The DHO also clarified that no one should give any information about coronavirus without the knowledge of the district administration. "If we suspect anyone of having Coronovirus, we check his background and closeness to other family and friends. We have put hoarding about caution in places like beach, railway station and toll gate, where tourists are more in number," said Sudhir Chandra Sooda.

Sooda also clarified that so far four cases of Coronovirus including the Karkala incident are reported in the district. Last time there were patients from Australia and Dubai but their report turned out to be negative.

The DHO has requested the general public to bring to the local administration or health department about any person, who has been to overseas recently and is suffering from disease. The department will take initiative and bring such people to the district hospital.