Cholera under control in Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: The situation after the outbreak of Cholera in the district has been brought under control, the health department said. “We could trace the main source of bacteria that causes Cholera soon after the first cases were reported in Kuttipuram. This was the first step to prevent the disease from spreading further. Now the situation has been under control in the district,” said Deputy District Medical Officer Dr. A. Shibulal.

Health officials found that of 14 reported cases of Cholera in Kuttipuram, Tirur and Thavanur, nine were infected from the same source in Kuttipuram. “It is found that all the nine who hails from different places had eaten Chatni made of uncooked and contaminated ingredients from an eatery near the Kuttipuram Railway station, which is believed to be the source of the bacteria,” he said.

The hotel has been closed for an uncertain period according to an order from the district collector. All the restaurants and eateries in Kuttippuram have also been closed for a few days as part of a clean up drive due to the fear of water contamination. Food Safety officials in the district have been conducting widespread checking in restaurants and bakeries to prevent the sale of contaminated items.

The district collector S Venkatesapathy directed the public to report any cases of water contamination  on Monday. Further steps would be taken to clean up water bodies and to supply safe drinking water with the help of the Water Authority, he said during a meeting held on Monday to constitute Health Supporting Groups for the smooth implementation of health programmes in the district.