Kochi: The people of Kottuvally near north Paravur are in panic over the reports of the death of a patient and confirmed cases of diphtheria from a family there. A four-year-old boy died and four other members, including the mother and three children, have been affected by the deadly disease. Another confirmed case has been reported from Palluruthy. Though the health authorities have given immunisation vaccination to the members of other families in the area, there are apprehensions over the spread of the disease.
“With the number of confirmed cases escalating, the district is facing a medical emergency. Though prevention and containment activities are being carried out at the lower level, there are no effective measures from the district authorities. More than five cases of diphtheria indicate an alarming situation,” said a senior paediatrician in the health services. There are lapses in coordinating disease prevention activities with not enough stock of erythromycin tablets available in government hospitals, the doctor said. The government has not taken steps to provide preventive vaccination for medical and paramedical staff though the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association has initiated a vaccination drive.
Meanwhile, Dr. K. Vidya, district RCH officer, told DC that core committees would be formed to step up vaccination. They will consist of a ward member of the local body, an anganwadi worker, a public health worker and a representative of a religious organisation. “We hope the religious representatives will be able to help in getting an informed consent from the families who avoid vaccination,” she said. “Our objective is to achieve 100 per cent immunisation by 2019,” she added. The final plans of the district medical office will be communicated with the district administration during a meeting to be held with the collector on June 1.
