Cholera situation under control and no need to panic: DMO

KOZHIKODE: District Medical officer Dr V Jayashree here on Monday said that the cholera situation at Thengilakkadavu in the limits of Mavoor grama panchayat is under control and no need of becoming panic.

District Medical officer also sealed the well at Thengilakkadavu in which Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) had detected the presence of cholera-causing bacterium Vibrio cholerae in one water sample. DMO directed the people residing in the area not to drink water from the well until the health department issues further direction pertaining to it.

DMO visited the spot of cholera case detection along with the district level surveillance team on the day on the basis of report of water sample submitted by CWRDM. The district health department through the grama panchayat had handed over six samples of water taken from various water sources in the limits of Mavoor grama panchayat to CWRDM following detection of cholera cases among migrant workers residing at a rented house at Thengilakkadavu. The team led by DMO assessed the situation and informed that the health condition of seven persons detected with cholera have been improving.

DMO also directed the health staff and doctors to intensify its on-going preventive measures commenced against cholera and to keep a close watch on each diarrhoea cases reporting in the limits of Mavoor grama panchayat.

DMO urged the public to consume only boiled water and to carry out chlorination of water sources. The health department has also urged the public to avoid consumption of unhygienic food and water as the cholera is spread through the contaminated water and food. The DMO also directed the public to avoid open defecation as the mixing of infected person’s excreta with water sources can transmit cholera. The DMO also urged the public to wash the hands using soap before consuming food and maintain personal hygiene.

Meanwhile, special squad formed by Mavoor gram panchayat authorities on the basis of decision taken at an all-party meeting held on Saturday commenced its eviction drive against migrant workers staying illegally at the commercial buildings and one room shops without basic facilities.