Government starts vaccination programme in Sattari

PANAJI: The directorate of health services (DHS) has started a vaccination programme in Valpoi, Dharbandora and other parts of Sattari that had a history of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever. Since the start of the cashew season, DHS has detected 12 cases of KFD in these areas.
State epidemiologist, Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, confirmed that DHS has started a vaccination programme, which was delayed due to the stock of vaccines arriving late.DHS procures KFD vaccines from Shivamogga, Karnataka.
The disease has been under control this season. Till date, a few sporadic cases have been detected. “There have been just 12 cases detected so far. Also, there has been no outbreak of the disease since the season started,” said Betodkar.
In 2017, 83 KFD cases were registered, while 53 cases were registered in 2018. The KFD disease emerges during cashew season that begins from January.
The DHS has been on its guard against KFD since 2016 when the disease was first detected in Sattari taluka.