The Health Department has sounded a State-wide alert against cholera after three cases, including one death, were reported from the two districts of Pathanamthitta and Kozhikode.
In all three cases, the patients were migrant labourers, once again drawing attention to the poor conditions in which these people work and live. The first case of cholera was reported from Pathanamthitta, wherein Biswajit Das, an 18-year-old migrant worker from West Bengal, died on July 24.
Health officials said the youngster had approached the hospital with acute diarrhoea after he returned from his native place. Though he was advised admission he had gone home, only to get admitted the next day.
However, he collapsed and died following severe dehydration. Cholera was confirmed only after the autopsy, through a rectal swab, health officials said.
Two cases of cholera have been confirmed in one of the labour camps at Mavoor, Kozhikode. However, both patients are undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital.
Senior health officials said that precautionary measures against cholera had been stepped up in all districts and a campaign for the superchlorination of water sources had started in Kozhikode.
District officials have been asked to focus on preventive and control measures around all migrant labour camps. Water samples from water sources are being sent for testing
Contaminated water supply are the main source of cholera infection, although raw shellfish, uncooked fruits and vegetables, and other food items also can harbour V. cholerae.
Public have been asked to maintain utmost hygiene through frequent hand washing, and using soap especially after visiting the toilet and before eating food. People have also been cautioned to drink water only after boiling. Oral rehydration salt solutions should be administered in case of diarrhoea.
