Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, May 22: Deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis has asked people not to be anxious about Nipah virus but to take certain precautions. She spoke at a meeting on Tuesday May 22 held at DC’s auditorium here against the virus.
“The virus has already been witnessed at Calicut and Mallapuram. Among 96 people who infected, six have died. The virus spreads by fruits bitten by bats. We should not eat fruits that have fallen down from trees after being half eaten by birds. All fruits should be washed properly before consuming them. The skin of the fruit should be removed before eating and our hands should be washed and kept clean,” she said. She asked to convey the information to as many people as possible.
“A person infected with Nipah virus will experience fever, headache and vomiting. If the patient experiences difficulty while breathing and brain fever, he should be examined by the doctor immediately. The virus spreads when a healthy person comes into contact with saliva and other fluids from the infected person. Besides bats, the virus can spread through pet animals that eat fruits dropped by infected bats. Therefore, the animals should be examined by veterinary doctors,” she said.
She asked private hospitals to convey the details of patients of Nipah virus to the department of health immediately. “Provide to the department of health details of precautions and treatment at all government and private hospitals in the taluk and district and take suitable action.” She asked the district surgeon and private hospital association to provide suitable instruments, doctors, nursing staff and emergency treatment tools.
She asked for Anganwadi and Asha activists be informed about the symptoms of the virus and distribute printed pamphlets among people. She asked IMA to provide details to district health and family welfare officials regarding standard operating procedure.
District health and family welfare official Dr Rohini, district surgeon Dr Madhusoodan, IMA representative and all the officials of the health department were present.