The Hindu - Kerala 19.08.2009
Urban areas under viral fever threat
Staff Reporter
| More cases reported within corporation limits |
Teams formed in 55 wards for source destruction
Health Department to conduct campaign in schools
KOZHIKODE: 104 of the 123 suspected chikungunya cases that were reported on Tuesday were persons residing within Kozhikode corporation limits confirming fears of medical authorities that the viral fever outbreak was moving away from hilly areas towards the urban areas. 17 cases of chikungunya were also reported from Peruvayal.
2,259 cases of viral fever, four suspected leptospirosis cases, 156 cases of diarrhoea and three cases of hepatitis-A were reported in the district.
Fever counts
Corporation health officials said that they were taking the threat of a viral fever outbreak in the corporation limits seriously and had begun source destruction activities and a survey of households, fever counts and sources in each ward.
Teams have been formed in the 55 wards for source destruction and in three days each team will visit 50 houses each.
Corporation officials claimed that they have been conducting medical camps where free allopathy, ayurveda and homeopathy medicines were distributed.
Awareness programme
A one-day workshop to train teachers in spreading awareness on the chikungunya and swine flu viral outbreaks was held at Kozhikode, Vadakara and Thamarassery.
It was decided to conduct awareness programmes during the school assembly and in classrooms.
The Health Department has decided to distribute CDs and pamphlets in all schools in the district.
Sanitation drive
Sanitation of surroundings every week under the leadership of the school PTA, awareness rallies, powerpoint presentations and formation of health clubs are some of the ideas mooted by the Health Department.
Students are expected to take leadership of awareness programmes at railway stations and bus stands.
The teachers also suggested a mechanism for students and the public to inform authorities of unsanitary surroundings
