THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The mass drug administration programme aimed at the elimination of filariasis will be held in the district from Thursday to Saturday.
Addressing reporters here on Wednesday, District Medical Officer Dr T Peethambaran said special focus will be given to the ‘hot spots’ in the district,including Karamana, Balaramapuram, Karimadom Colony, Chenthitta, Pothencode, Palkulangara, Peringammala, Chalai, Fort, Parassala, Manacaud, Perumkadavila, Amachal, Aruvikkara and Nedumangad.
The DMO said: “All persons in the district, except children below the age of two, pregnant women, aged and those having chronic diseases, should take one dose of DEC (Diethyl Carbamazine Citrate) and Albendazole tablets as part of the programme. As there are no effective remedies for filariasis, it is important to take preventive measures.”
“This five-year programme aims to eliminate the transmission cycle of the parasite. Preventive drugs will be distributed at houses, booths, hospitals and public places like bus stations and railway stations. A field evaluation will be done on Sunday by drug distributors and supervisors to ensure maximum drug compliance,” he said.
As many as 17,646 volunteers will be taking part in the programme.