Encephalitis: Health Secy stresses on preventive steps in Koraput

Koraput: To curb the spread of Japanese Encephalitis in Korapur district, Health Secretary Arti Ahuja had a discussion with the district Collector Jaya Kumar V today.

At a review meeting held in the presence of officials of all line departments, including the School and Mass Education department, the Women and Child Development department and the SC & ST department, discussion was held on various preventive measures needed to be taken to ensure that the disease would not spread to the district and no one is afflicted with the disease.

It was decided to set up check posts along the bordering areas of Malkangiri to restrict entry of pigs into human habitation. The concerned officials were asked to carry out awareness programmes to ask the people not to allow their children remain outside after sunset.

Notably, one child has died of the disease in the district so far while the blood sample has been sent for test on behalf of the Health department.

The Health secretary said, “Apart from one case which has so far been detected in Koraput district in August, no such case has been detected since then. Since Koraput is the bordering district of Malkangiri, chances of pigs entering into Koraput are there. In view of this, a meeting was held today in the presence of officials of all line departments to discuss about the preventive measures.”

Talking to media persons, Koraput Collector said the situation is under control now. But as part of preventive steps field officials would make door-to-door visit and sensitise people on the do’s and don’ts when such situation arises. Besides, fogging and other activities are being undertaken in the affected areas. Health check-up of children coming to schools from areas infested with pigs would be made and they would be given immediate treatment if any symptom is detected in them, he added.