Mangaluru: Following a reported cholera case within the Nellikaru PHC limits in Moodbidri, the Department of Health and Family Welfare is urging residents to avoid uncooked food and to only drink boiled water. District Health Officer Dr. Thimmaiah confirmed that the infected individual has since recovered. Cholera cases have also emerged in Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts, with the affected patient having eaten at a hotel in Hosmar, where several villagers from Edu were also infected.
In response, all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Dakshina Kannada have been instructed to report any symptoms related to cholera. The health department has convened a meeting with hotel association representatives, advising them against serving stale food and emphasizing the importance of providing boiled water to customers. Dr. Thimmaiah stressed the need for hygiene, recommending that hands be washed with soap before eating or preparing food and that utensils in hotels be cleaned with hot water.
To prevent infection, the public is advised to avoid fruits and food from roadside vendors. Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, can lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration, making proper food handling essential. The health department also suggested avoiding kosambri, a type of fruit salad.
Additionally, the Panchayat Raj department has been tasked with cleaning and chlorinating water tanks every three months.
In another health concern, six beds have been reserved at Government Wenlock Hospital for potential Mpox (monkeypox) cases. Surveillance has been initiated at Mangaluru International Airport and New Mangalore Port, screening passengers arriving from South African countries. Since the start of this initiative, over 24,000 passengers have been screened, with only two arriving from affected regions. Health officials assure that there is no need for panic regarding Mpox.
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