KOCHI: As the sizzling summer tightens its stranglehold on the state, contagious diseases have started to plague the district. Cases of jaundice, diphtheria, hepatitis, dengue and H1N1 have been reported from various parts of the district.
The first two cases of jaundice reported at the Government Medical College were of doctors. So far, more than 36 persons, mainly students, have been diagnosed with jaundice in the district.
The district administration has decided to initiate various preventive measures. A meeting to chalk out the plans in this regard was convened by District Collector Mohammed Y Safirulla on Tuesday.
The Collector has directed officers concerned to conduct inspections at restaurants and wayside eateries to ensure the quality of food and water served there. Health cards will be distributed to restaurant staff within 15 days. Eateries functioning without licence will be closed.
The heads of educational institutions have been told not to allow students to eat outside. In the wake of the outbreak, a special laboratory will be set up at Kalamassery to diagnose the diseases.
District Medical Officer N K Kuttappan said the situation was under control and no new case was reported on Tuesday.