With the confirmation of the Nipah outbreak, local bodies in the district have been asked to undertake intensive cleaning drives ahead of the monsoon season and to create awareness among residents on ways to prevent the spread of the virus infection. The support of various voluntary organisations, Kudumbasree units, and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) will be sought to complete the drive.
Cleaning of potable water sources is in progress in grama panchayats where people died of Nipah infection. Premises of hospitals where people were recently admitted for treatment are also on the priority list. Volunteers will help the Health Department conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns about the ways to prevent the spread of the virus infection. The presidents and standing committee chairpersons of various grama panchayats will be responsible for coordinating the drive.
The ward members have been directed to communicate the details of persons suffering from suspected Nipah infection to the Health Department. They will also be responsible for coordinating relief measures for the victims’ families.
A local body member from Changaroth said the panchayat would hold counselling sessions for close family members of the victims to deal with the crisis. Attempts to isolate the victims’ families would be addressed through proper field-level awareness campaigns and counselling programmes, he added.
Following instructions from the Health Department, all the grama panchayats would convene separate all-party meetings to review the situation and come up with suggestions to ensure the safety of residents in their respective regions.
