Six cases of cholera have been reported in the district in the past week and they have been undergoing treatment at the K.R. Hospital, PKTB Sanatorium and Epidemic Diseases Hospital on KRS road, according to District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. S.M. Malegowda.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Dr. Malegowda said that out of the six cases, two are from Nanjangud, two from the city and two from Yelwal hobli.

It may be recalled here that last year, 34 cholera cases were reported in the first week of April.

Attributing the outbreak of cholera to the poor quality of water supplied in hotels, Dr. Malegowda said that a Task Force at the district level and at taluk levels have been constituted to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

“We are fully geared up to tackle the situation in case the outbreak gets severe by stocking the required medicines, intra-venal rehydration sets and other requirements,” he said and added that the water supply authorities have been told to clean all the overhead tanks in city and ensure proper purification of water.

“Hoteliers have been directed to treat water and make it potable before serving it to customers. We will penalise those who do not abide by the rules,” he said and added that city hospitals, including K.R. Hospital have been advised to streamline treatment procedures.

“We have also issued directives on the sale of food from cart vendors, juice stalls and sweetmeat shops. They will have to keep the eatables covered and keep away houseflies from their premises,” said Dr. Malegowda.

ASHA and Arogya workers have been going door-to-door to spread awareness to take up preventive measures against the epidemic by consuming pure drinking water. They are also distributing ORS powder sachets in the villages, to be given to the ailing persons for rehydration.

The District Health Department has also sent a public advisory to the residents to drink treated and boiled water and keep their food covered.

Symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea must not be neglected but medical care must be sought immediately, said Dr. Malegowda.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore