H5N1 confirmed in Kottayam; vet, two others feverish
The disease would spread from birds to human beings
Kottayam: The District Medical Office here has confirmed that H5 N1 virus caused the death of the birds in Kumarakom and Aymanam.
Meanwhile, a veterinary surgeon, Kuriakose Mathew, who was part of the team culling the birds, and two workers were under observation at the district hospital after they suffered from fever.
Dr George S. Palamattam, hospital superintendent, said that their blood samples were sent to the national laboratory in Manipal.
The DMO has alerted the people in the two panchayats to be careful about dealing with those residing in the one-km area of the locations where bird flu has been detected.
“They should consult doctors or intimate the health workers in case they experience cold, cough or fever,” DMO Dr Iysha Bhai told Deccan Chronicle.
The disease would spread from birds to human beings, and not the other way, she said. The Pathanamthitta district administration had earlier confirmed H5N1 in some parts