Cable network to curb Chikungunya outbreak

The measure comes in the wake of detection of a total of 21 chikungunya cases in five taluks of the district.  State government has brought out a 45-minute compact disc (CD) which contains information on steps to be adopted for checking the spread of epidemics, under National Rural Health Mission. The CDs which contain visuals and interaction on precautions to be taken to contain the spread of diseases were distributed to few primary health centres which are equipped to screen them.

In view of the rising number of epidemic cases, the administration has now considered it fit to play the CDs at all the places. 

The copies of CDs have already been despatched to health officers at City Municipal Council and Taluk Panchayats. 

The Deputy Commissioner, who also happens to be the chairman of Taskforce on Epidemic Diseases has issued clear instructions to air the CDs on the local cable network during ‘prime time’ - the time conducive for people across all walks of life to view the programme. The plan, thus involves the local administration in the task to generate awareness.

The Health Department could successfully check the rise of epidemics with cooperation from other departments, District Malaria Eradication Officer Dr A V Narayanaswamy told Deccan Herald.

A total of 21 cases - two in Kavanatanahalli of Mulbagal taluk, two in Kolar city, total of four from Kalastipur, Yalavara, Chamarahalli and Mallanahalli in Kolar taluk, one in Malur town, two in KG Halli and one in Kempahalli of the taluk, three cases Marasandra, four from S G Kote in Bangarpet taluk and two in Gowdatatanagudda of Srinivaspur taluk, have been reported in the district from January up to the end of May this year. 

Three cases of suspected dengue fever reported from Gowdatatanagudda are yet to be confirmed.

Out of the 49 blood samples only 21 have tested positive for chikungunya, Dr Narayanaswamy informed.

Disclosing that there is no shortage of medicines to treat chikungunya, he said that public should not jump into conclusion on the onset of fever. Only a blood test can confirm chikungunya.