Officials on high alert against KFD

Bicholim: A joint meeting of health officials and state administration officials was held on February 2, 2016 to discuss prevention and recurrence of monkey fever (Kyasanur forest disease/KFD) in the state, which has already claimed two lives, said Mahadev Arondekar, deputy collector for Bicholim and Sattari talukas, who addressed the press on Thursday.The meeting to decide future course of action to combat the disease was held at deputy collector's office.
According to information provided by the collector, state epidemiologist, Dr Utkarsh Betodkar from the directorate of health services, Campal, said that the symptoms of monkey fever are similar to that of dengue and malaria. He added that people visiting forest areas should adopt necessary preventive measures like covering the body with thick white cloth to avoid the vector ticks. He also stressed the need to conduct awareness programmes in every village in Sattari and Bicholim taluka in order to alert citizens.
If a dead monkey is found, it is necessary to set fire to the area of about 50 meters around the monkey or sprinkle the area with 2% malathion powder or cover up the area with 90% of fire wood ash or leaves. Betodkar added he will write to the principal conservator of forest to take protective measures in wild life areas about monkey fever. He also suggested using dimethyl phthalate (DMP) oil, which is used by military and paramilitary forces in Karnataka to control leeches and other insects, while patrolling forests. According to Arondekar, the health department is likely to get vaccines within a short span from Karnataka as the order has already been placed.
held on Thursday discussed on steps to be adopted to prevent recurrence of Kyasanur (monkey fever) which has already claimed two lives.
During the meeting Dr. Utkarsah Betodkar, state epidolomogist, from directorate of health services Campal informed that the symptoms of monkey fever are similar to that of Dengue and malaria.
Health officer from the Valpoi community health centre (CHC), Dr Surekha Parulekar informed that it takes more time to identify monkey fever as it is different from a normal fever. She also added that in Valpoi CHC more cases are detected due to active surveillance.
Jefry Dsilva, forest range officer, Valpoi stated that directions have been given by principal conservator to bury dead monkey by digging a 6-feet deep soak pit if found anywhere.