Dakshina Kannada District Health and Family Welfare Officer M. Ramakrishna Rao on Tuesday asked people not to panic about reports on Nipah virus infection cases.
He said that the district has been put on high alert as it is bordering Kerala. All private hospitals have been asked to notify such cases.
Addressing reporters, he said that people suffering from chronic diseases and immunity problems are susceptible to the infection.
The doctor advised people to drink boiled water and wash their hands properly. After exposure to the virus it would take three to 18 days to develop symptoms such as cold, cough, fever, convulsion and nausea, he said.
The DHO asked people not to eat fruits bitten by bats, especially guava and sapota. One should also be careful in having direct contact with pets and other animals.
Hospital staff have also been advised to take standard precautionary measures.
