KOCHI: In the wake of the outbreak of hepatitis reported from Nellikuzhy in Kothamangalam, it has been decided to step up preventive measures and awareness programmes in nearby panchayat areas. Three deaths have been recorded in Nellikuzhy and as many as 280 cases have been reported from the area, according to the district medical officer. A review meeting convened by district collector Muhammad Y Safirulla on Thursday decided to conduct a household survey to identify the exact number of hepatitis patients. In cases where there is a suspicion of hepatitis, blood samples will be sent to the Virology Institute, Alappuzha for further tests.
A mobile laboratory will be set up in the area with the support of the Social Security Mission. A temporary lab facility has already been set up at the primary healthcare centre, Cheruvattoor. Special classes on sanitation will be given to people’s representatives in Nellikuzhy, Kottappady, Pindimana, Varapetty, Keerambara, Kuttambuzha, Kavalangad, Pothanikad and Paingottoor panchayats.
Health department squads will give heath cards to hotels, cool bars, ice plants, soda factories and other eateries in the area after inspecting their hygiene standards. Outlets with poor sanitation standards will be closed down. It has been decided to submit a detailed list of patients who died of hepatitis, to the state government. The meeting was attended by DMO Dr. N.K Kuttappan, RDO M.L Ramachandran, additional DMO Dr. Jayasree, civic body representatives and officials from various government departments.
