CHENNAI: Following the death of four children in Tiruvallur district, health authorities have initiated precautionary measures to prevent outbreak of an epidemic of deadly bacterial and viral strains.
Authorities are monitoring the situation in the two villages - Kaverirasapuram and Adhi Andhra Wada - from where the deaths were reported and more people have fallen sick. During the medical camps, a total of 90 people were diagnosed with fever in the last two days (Kaverirasapuram - 54 cases and Adhi Andhra Wada - 44 cases).
Speaking to Express, Dr K Kolandaswamy, Director of Public Health, confirmed that D Mohan (9) from Adhi Andhra Wada died of dengue and Yuvaraj (6) from Kaverirasapuram died of Leptospirosis. Other two M Santhosh (5) and S Mohan Kumar (5) from Adhi Andhra Wada were suspected to have died of viral and bacterial infections.
“Sanitation facilities were not good in these villages, cow sheds were unclean attracting rats. There was also colonies of aedes mosquitos. Both viral and bacterial infections were detected,” he added.
As a preventive measure, water is being supplied through tankers and pipeline water supply has been suspended. Meanwhile, sanitation arrangements have also been improved. Veterinary doctors, health workers were taking all necessary steps, besides conducting awareness programmes, Kolandaswamy added.
At the Tiruvallur GH, one person with dengue has been admitted and his condition is stable. There are over 10 fever cases admitted to various hospitals and they too are recovering.
Meanwhile, one quack has been arrested and two others were reportedly absconding.