Precautionary measures to check outbreak of KFD

DHO Dr S Mallikarjunappa said that the Department of Health and Family Welfare has taken all precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) in Chikkamagaluru district.

Speaking to reporters recently, he said that one person has tested positive to KFD in Koppa taluk. As many as 22 monkeys have died so far. Out of these, ticks infected with KFD virus were found in the carcasses of two monkeys, one from Gopal Colony in Tarikere taluk and another from Ereyuru in Jayapura taluk of Koppa.

People above six years of age have been vaccinated against KFD in Koppa, N R Pura and Tarikere, which share its borders with Shivamogga district.

Malathion is sprayed within a five-kilometre range from the spot where the dead monkey was found.

DMP repellent oil is being distributed to the people living in the vicinity of forests, to protect themselves from the bite of ticks. DMP oil is available in all primary health centres in the district.

Handbills on precautionary measures are being distributed among the residents. Teams comprising health officials, nurses and Asha workers have been formed to create awareness in villages situated on the fringes of the forest, he added.

The DHO further said that 78 dengue and 9 malaria cases have been reported in the district during the year 2018.

“There is a shortage of specialist doctors at the government hospitals in Mudigere, N R Pura and Koppa taluks. Out of the 90 MBBS doctors’ posts in the district, 22 are lying vacant,” said the DHO.

The district is facilitated with 14 government ambulances. A proposal has been submitted to sanction ambulances separately for Kalasapura, Shivani and Lakkavalli, he added.