The Health Department is faced with the major challenge of preventing and tackling outbreak of diseases, especially in flood-hit Kuttanad. Many parts of Kuttanad, including Kainakary, still remain inundated with floodwaters and hundreds of people are at risk of contracting diseases.
Sources said providing health services and preventive medicines to the people living in the interior parts of the region remained a big challenge owing to waterlogging and lack of facilities. The floods had caused extensive damage to several family health centres, primary health centres (PHCs), and sub-centres in the region.
At least 20 hospitals and health centres in Kuttanad, Chengannur, Ambalappuzha and Karthikappally taluks have become dysfunctional.
Though The Health Department decided to open 38 temporary PHCs with outpatient facility in the flood-hit areas of the district from Monday, several of them have not yet been made operational.
Reported cases
According to Health Department statistics, at least 12 confirmed and 26 suspected cases of leptospirosis have been reported in the district from Nedumudy, Kuppapuram, Pulinkunnu and Thakazhy in Kuttanad taluk, Kalavoor, Aryad, Pathiyoor and the Alappuzha municipal area since August 22.
Dengue cases
At least one suspected death of leptospirosis has been reported during this period. A few cases of dengue fever have also been reported.
Deputy District Medical Officer Jamuna Varghese told The Hindu that steps had been taken to strengthen surveillance in flood-hit areas.
House visits
“As part of it, health workers will conduct house-to-house visits. One volunteer each has been assigned for 15-20 houses. The department has taken necessary measures to ensure the availability of doctors in the flood-affected areas. They have been given treatment protocols. We will strengthen referral systems to ensure that patients who needed specialised care are transferred to hospitals. Along with these measures, the department will also intensify the awareness campaign on leptospirosis and other diseases,” Ms. Varghese said.
Ms. Varghese said preventive medicines against leptospirosis had been made available at Alappuzha Boat Jetty, in all health centres and sub-centres in the district.
“People can also avail themselves of preventive medicines from health workers,” she added.
