Rush snakebite victims to hospitals, warns Shivamogga ADC

Shivamogga: Additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Abhishek V has directed officials to take strict action against native healers who provide traditional treatment for snakebites.

He stressed that in case of a snakebite, victims must be rushed immediately to the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) or hospital for prompt treatment. People should not risk their lives by visiting traditional healers (naati vaidyaru), he said. The ADC was attending a meeting held at the DC’s office on Monday.

District surveillance officer Dr Nagaraj Naik said that 226 snakebite cases have been reported in the district this year, resulting in three deaths. The highest number of cases was reported in Sagar and Shikaripura taluks.

During a snakebite audit, the ADC reiterated that victims must be brought to hospitals without any delay. All govt and private hospitals must maintain adequate stocks of anti-snake venom (ASV). He also emphasised the need to raise public awareness on precautionary measures and immediate response. Surroundings of houses must be kept clean, and unnecessary bushes or weeds in school compounds must be cleared, he added.

Dr Nagaraj Naik further said that 123 Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) cases, also known as monkey fever, have been reported so far, with treatment underway. A total of five deaths have been recorded.

Tick testing is being carried out, and of the 625 samples sent to Pune, three tick pools tested positive. Although 147 monkey deaths were reported, autopsies were conducted on 34, and none tested positive. The ADC directed officials to ensure proper distribution of DEPA oil (tick repellent).

Dog bites, dengue cases

A total of 2,254 dog bite cases were reported this month, taking the cumulative number to 8,140 in the district this year.

As many as 1,682 dengue tests have been conducted so far, of which 42 returned positive, and patients are undergoing treatment. Additionally, five malaria cases were reported and treated.

ZP deputy secretary Sujatha said that the HPV vaccine must be administered to all schoolgirls aged 14 to 15 years.