Attempts to tackle KFD produce positive results

PANAJI: The directorate of health services has put measures in place to tackle Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) post monsoon. With DMP (dimethyl phthalate) oil, a tick repellant, being distributed in villages of Sattari, not a single case has been reported so far.

State epidemiologist Utkarsh Betodkar said not only did monkey disease show a decline in its third year but there has been no spillover of cases.He added that vaccinations willbe taken up shortly.
KFD was first detected in Goa in 2016 with 284 cases and three deaths. Betodkar said, “Since October, 58 cases of KFD have been registered, no new case has come to light since then.”
Records since 2016 show that after the monsoon, stray cases of KFD were observed. It was also observed that KFD cases were detected in Pernem and Bethora in 2017. However, Betodkar said they did not see fresh cases in subsequent years.
He said they have distributed tick repellent oil in the affected villages. However, it won’t be unsual if stray cases are found in other talukas, more so those close to forest areas in South Goa.
He added that health officials have already been asked to be alert for any symptoms of KFD in patients.
Initially in 2016, health officials had tough time convincing people to take the vaccines, but subsequently things eased as fear of the disease caused panic in the villages. Three deaths due to KFD convinced others that they have no option but to take precautions if they want to protect themselves from the disease.