With a recent surge in cholera cases, deputy commissioner Dr. K Vidyakumari has urged the public to prioritize hygiene to curb the spread of the disease. Speaking at district-level surveillance and dengue coordination meetings, Dr. Vidyakumari reported 11 cholera cases in the past week, primarily in Karkala’s Eedu Primary Health Center and coastal areas like Malpe, Shirva, Kaup, and Kemmannu.
She emphasized the importance of public awareness, cleanliness, and precautions such as washing seafood thoroughly, maintaining hand hygiene, and ensuring safe food practices in homes, schools, and restaurants.
Hotels were advised to serve hot drinking water and clean utensils with hot water, while roadside food and pushcarts should be avoided. Schools, colleges, and anganwadis were asked to promote handwashing before meals.
Cholera, a severe infection from contaminated food or water, spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation, leading to dehydration. Immediate medical care is crucial for those experiencing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, she noted.
In addition, Dr. Vidyakumari addressed dengue, chikungunya, and Zika prevention by stressing the elimination of stagnant water, which serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The administration was instructed to ensure the quality of drinking water in both urban and rural areas.
She also highlighted the Swachhata Seva campaign (September 14 to October 2), urging communities to maintain cleanliness around their homes and in public spaces like bus stops and toilets.
A presentation by the Manipal Institute of Technology introduced the “Janani” app, designed to improve maternal health. Senior officials, including Zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Boyal and MIT director Dr. Anil Rana, attended the meeting.
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