Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Jan 14: Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis said that precautions are being taken to prevent spread of monkey fever in the district.

Speaking at the DC office auditorium on Monday, she said death of monkeys in the forests is an indication of the epidemic. “It does not spread from people to people. Fever without break for eight to ten days, severe headache and waist pain, pain in hands and legs, weakness, red eyes, blood from mouth, nose and anus after two weeks of fever and joint pains are symptoms of monkey fever. The intensity depends on immunity in the body of the patient,” she said.

“All the concerned departments are put on alert. The unnatural deaths of monkeys should be brought to the notice of health department. Village meetings should be held to provide information through medical officers to the villagers. Posters regarding precautions on monkey fever should be pasted,” said the DC.

District health and family welfare officer Dr Rohini said out of 20 deaths of monkeys reported so far, the limbs, samples of eleven monkeys have been sent to the laboratory. “120 bottles DMP oil is supplied in the district on first stage and 960 bottles on second stage.”

Manipal hospital medical officer Dr Avinash said that 73 suspected patients of monkey fever are admitted in the hospital and 27 cases are confirmed. Fifty people have returned home after getting cured. 23 people are under treatment. There are 12 positive and 11 negative patients among them. Separate wards are maintained for men and women. Professor Dr Kavitha is assigned for treatment. Free treatment is being provided. No deaths have occurred and no patient from Udupi is admitted. All the patients are from Shivamogga taluk, she said.

Zilla Panchayat assistant secretary Nagesh Raikar, World Health Organisation’s representative Sathischandra, KMC’s Dr Arun Kumar, district level officials and self service organisation representatives were present.