Nipah virus: Khader asks officials to be on alert

Mangaluru: in the backdrop of Nipah virus being reported in the neighbouring state of Kerala, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister U T Khader convened a meeting with officials of the district health department in this regard and asked them to be alert, on Monday June 10^th.

District Health Officer Dr Ramakrishan Rao was asked by the minister to issue a circular to all health centres in the district to be on alert regarding Nipah virus and to take all necessary measures. Students of all schools and colleges must be briefed through awareness programmes regarding the disease and the precautionary measures to tackle the virus. People should refrain from opting for indigenous medicine.

Speaking on the occasion, DHO informed that people must desist from consuming fruits bitten by birds and animals, and take precautionary measures while visiting infected area. Infected livestock like pigs, dogs and cats must be isolated since the function as intermediate host. In case of any flu-like illness, visit the nearest health centre, he advised.

Mr Khader also asked the officials of the homeguards, fire personnel and forest department to be on the alert to face any challenges posed by the monsoon.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, ZP CEO Selvamani R and other officials.