HDK directs health dept to prevent outbreak of Nipah

A day after proving his majority in the Legislative Assembly, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy got down to business on Saturday by directing health officials to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the Nipah Virus (NiV).

“Awareness is key to preventing the spread of Nipah. I have directed Health Department to create awareness among the public about the virus. However, there is no need to panic. I have also instructed the dept to take necessary measures to prevent its possible spread,” the Chief Minister’s Office tweeted.

The NiV infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans. The outbreak of Nipah in Kerala has sent shock waves with its impact being felt in Karnataka, where some suspected cases have been reported.

Kumaraswamy also directed the police to keep a strict vigil on widespread rumours on child kidnappers.

The rumours resulted in a mob lynching a 26-year-old Kalu Ram Bachanram, mistaking him to be a child kidnapper, earlier this week in Chamarajpet in Bengaluru.

The police have arrested over a dozen people in connection with this case.

In another case, the Whitefield police rescued two women - labourers from Uttar Pradesh mistaken to be child kidnappers - from a mob.

“I request public not to pay heed to rumours on child kidnappers. News of child trafficking is false. I have asked police forces to be on strict vigil on this issue. I request the public to be responsible and their posts shouldn't create panic and disturbance to the peace-loving society,” the CMO tweeted.