Malappuram situation critical: DHS Dr R Ramesh

MALAPPURAM: Director of health services (DHS) Dr. R. Ramesh on Monday sounded an alert on the re-emergence of diphtheria in Malappuram district saying the outbreak is a cause for concern and that it would go out of control if the immunisation drive and other preventive measures are not intensified on a war footing.

“The situation in the district is a cause of concern,” Dr Ramesh, who was a visit to the district, said in a meeting of health officials in the district. “Diphtheria affliction among adults is pointing out to the seriousness of the state of affairs in Malappuram.”

Dr Ramesh was in the district on an emergency visit to assess the ongoing immunization drive in the wake of repeated diphtheria cases. Coinciding with the visit of the health chief eight more suspected cases of diphtheria, the highest number in a single day, were reported from various parts of the district on Monday taking the toll to 25.

A high level team led by Health Minister K.K. Shylaja and health secretary Rajeev Sadanadan would visit the district on Thursday to assess the strengthened immunization campaign and other activities. Earlier on the day the DHS visited many places in Kondotty from where most of the cases were reported and directed thre officials to cover all children aged between 7 and 16 during the vaccination drive by conducting special camps at schools.

The health department will provide free vaccines to all children aged below 16 and the ones who have direct association with the afflicted. It was also decided to replenish vaccine stock  in the wake of reports of its shortage. “As much as 30,000 doses of TD vaccine will reach the district on Thursday,” said DMO Dr. V Ummer Farook. There were 40,000 dose of TD vaccine in stock with the district health department when the campaign launched two weeks ago.  1820 children were administered TD vaccine on Monday.