Kodagu has no history of KFD: DHO

With two Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) cases reported at Wayanad in Kerala, the officials in Kodagu district are on high alert.

Kodagu district shares its border with Kerala. Kutta, Makutta, Karike and other villages are situated on the border of Kerala.

There has been fear among people since the emergence of KFD in Sagar, Soraba, Theerthahalli taluks in Shivamogga. Similarly, there is a rumour on KFD in a colony at H D Kote in Mysuru, which also shares its border with Kodagu district.

The district is covered with forest with a majority of the farmers cultivating coffee and banana. The monkeys stray into farmland in search of food. As a result, the residents are scared over the spread of KFD.

In-charge DHO Dr Jagadish told DH that the Department of Health and Family Welfare is all set to tackle any eventualities in the district.

He said that the district has no history of KFD. The residents situated on the border of Kodagu district need not panic.

“The health department has already discussed the issue with the deputy commissioner and Zilla Panchayat CEO. There is enough stock of medicines. All the precautionary measures have been taken,” he said.

He added, “We have also collected information from the primary health centres (PHC) situated on the periphery of the border areas. If the residents suffer from any symptoms of the KFD, they should visit the nearest hospital for treatment. The residents need not panic. The death of monkeys should be brought to the notice of the Forest Department and health department.”

The in-charge DHO said that no suspected KFD cases have been reported in Kodagu district. If anyone suffers from symptoms of KFD, then the blood samples will be sent to the laboratory for confirmation.

The disease is spread to human beings through the bite of infected ticks.

If a patient is suffering from continuous fever for 8 to 10 days with a headache, pain in leg and hands, backache, reddish eyes, dehydration and bleeding in skin, nose, mouth, then the patient should immediately contact the nearest PHC or clinic, he said.