Rat fever: Peruvalloor panchayat in Malappuram issues high alert

Thenjipalam: The health panel of Peruvalloor panchayat has decided to supply doxycycline tablets to those who work in wet mud and waterbodies after deaths due to rat fever have been reported here. Those who work in areas where rat urine is likely to get spread have been included in the high-risk category. Tablets will be supplied as part of the panchayat’s drive to prevent the spread of rat fever, especially among the high-risk workers. 

Karuvathadam Bhaskaran had died a few days ago due to rate fever. Besides, two more persons are currently undergoing treatment. The meeting of the health samiti has decided to conduct awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Significant decisions taken by the samiti: 

• Those who work in wet mud or water bodies where the urine of rat, dog and other four – legged animals get mixed should be on high alert. Mike announcement would be done to spread awareness in the panchayat. MGNREG workers, cattle farmers, agriculture workers and coconut tree climbers should be careful.
• Avoid contact with unclean water bodies like ponds that aren’t cleaned. 
• Chlorination would be done in all the wells in the panchayat.
• If you notice symptoms like high fever, muscle pain, headache and vomiting, consult a medical practitioner immediately. Do not try to self-treat as the symptoms may worse and get critical. Food items should be preserved well to keep away rats. Besides, the public would be urged to keep the houses and the surrounding areas clean and tidy. 

The meeting was presided by panchayat president K Abdul Salam. Medical officer Dr. Anas, panchayat implementation officer Dr. Muhammad Rasi, health inspector Laiju Ignatius, panchayat assistant secretary PV Prajitha Kumari, health permanent samiti chairman UP Muhammad, Anjalan Hamsa Haji, Ayisha Faisal, M Muhsina and junior health inspector Anusree spoke at the meeting. 

Health alert in Moonniyoor
Moonniyoor panchayat is also on high alert after cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis were reported. The meeting of the health samiti was presided over by panchayat president NM Suharabi. Vice president Haneef Achattil, permanent samiti members CP Zubaida, A Jasmine Muneer, medical officer Dr. Rafeeq Pullatt, VK Shareefa, health inspector A Rajesh, Prashant and Deepti. 

All wells in the panchayat would be chlorinated. Besides, the meeting has decided to install warning boards near public ponds and water bodies and also to distribute notices with health guidelines to spread awareness against the disease.