11 cases of cholera detected in Udupi district; DC urges public to prioritize cleanliness

Team Udayavani, Sep 18, 2024, 8:06 PM IST

Udupi: Eleven cases of cholera have been reported in various parts of Udupi district, prompting District Commissioner (DC) Dr. K. Vidyakumari to urge the public to stay alert and prioritize hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.

Presiding over the district-level monitoring committee meeting and the dengue coordination committee meeting held at the DC’s office, Dr. Vidyakumari said that five cases were reported from the Eedu Primary Health Centre in Karkala. Additionally, vomiting and diarrhoea cases were reported from Malpe, Shirva, Kaup, and Kemmannu, which were later confirmed as cholera.

The DC emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding cholera and urged hotels and restaurants to provide hot water for drinking. She also instructed them to clean utensils like glasses, plates, and dishes with hot water.

It is advised to wash hands thoroughly after handling any seafood before touching food. The public should avoid consuming food and fruits sold by street vendors and pushcart sellers.

The DC stressed the need to create awareness in schools, colleges, and anganwadis about the importance of handwashing before consuming food. A cleanliness drive will be conducted from September 14 to October 2.

The DC urged the public to maintain cleanliness in and around their homes. Local bodies were directed to prioritize hygiene in public spaces like bus stands, railway stations, and public toilets.

During the meeting, MIT representatives presented the “Janani App” developed for gathering data on pregnant women’s health, and its pros and cons were discussed.

Other attendees included ZP CEO Prateek Bayal, MIT Director Dr. Anil Rana, MIT Deputy Director Somashekar Bhat, DHO Dr. I.P. Gadad, District Survey Officer Dr. Nagarathna, Malaria Control Officer Dr. Prashanth Bhat, Commissioner Rayappa, and Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Development Shyamala C.K., along with taluk health officers.

Seek Medical Attention if Symptoms Appear

Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration. It spreads through contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. The DC advised the public to wash all vegetables, fruits, and seafood thoroughly before use. If symptoms like severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration appear, people should immediately consult a doctor.