Senthil tells officials to set up team to tackle KFD

In the backdrop of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) scare in neighbouring districts and on the fringes of forest area, Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil directed the officials to constitute a team with tahsildar, Taluk Panchayat executive officer, range forest officer (RFO) and taluk health officers, to tackle the disease effectively.

Speaking during a video conference on Friday, he said the Health Department has already taken measures to check the spread of the disease. The committee should be on high alert and create a WhatsApp group with concerned officials to share information, he added.

Senthil said there is a need to identify the places where ticks that spread KFD are found. If monkeys are found dead, then it should be informed immediately. Also, there is a need to create awareness on KFD among the residents living on the fringes of forest area. As a precautionary measure, DMP oil should be distributed to those living on the periphery of the forest, he told the officials.

After collecting the details on history on KFD in the district from the Health Department officials, Senthil directed the Forest Department officers and primary health centre doctors to work in coordination. All the private hospitals should submit a report on the suspected KFD patients to the district health officer, he said.

Senthil said all preventive measures should be taken in the district. The stock of all the required medicines should be available, he
said.

District Vector Borne Disease Control Officer Dr Arun Kumar said that the virus that spread KFD is active from November to February. The malathion powder will be sprayed to kill the ticks — carrier of the virus.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr Selvamani, District Health Officer Dr Ramakrishna Rao and other officials were present in the meeting.