The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Rain adds to typhoid woes in west Kochi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Rain adds to typhoid woes in west Kochi

Staff Reporter

82 cases reported in August, mostly from Cherlai, Nellu, Thuruthi and Kalvethy

KOCHI: West Kochi continues to reel under typhoid. Eighty-two cases were reported in August, 56 of them in the Government hospital at Fort Kochi. Most of the cases have been reported from Cherlai, Nellu, Thuruthi and Kalvethy.

Only 82 cases were recorded in 2005. This year, 321 were reported already.

The recent heavy rain has added to the problem since typhoid spreads through infected water and food. All 59 water samples collected from different places in west Kochi this year were found contaminated, said a health official.

Typhoid is a perennial problem in west Kochi. K.J. Maxy, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health of the corporation, said unless proper and adequate water supply became a reality in the region, health problems would recur.

The Kerala Water Authority was instructed to change old pipes, and some work in this regard was done, he said.

At an inter-sectoral meeting called by the District Collector for Wednesday, health authorities, in association with those of the corporation, the water authority and Government departments, will chalk out a plan of action to control the spread of the disease.

Another meeting called by the corporation for Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss wide-ranging issues of health, considering the Onam season and heavy tourist inflow into the city, will also discuss the spread of typhoid.

Chlorine tablets supplied

On Monday, health officials distributed to people 2,600 chlorine tablets, along with notices showing how to use the chemical for disinfecting contaminated water. One tablet for 20 litres of water is the ideal measure. People have been asked to drink water boiled for at least 10 to 15 minutes, District Medical Officer K.T. Remani said.

Vaccine available

The Hospital Development Committee of Fort Kochi Hospital has made available Typhoral vaccine. A dose costs Rs. 50.

The Health Services Directorate will prescribe vaccination for the entire population only if the disease becomes an epidemic, says a health official.

Junior health inspectors from primary health centres elsewhere have been posted to Fort Kochi for running an awareness programme launched by the district health authorities.

C. Shanta, Corporation Health Officer, said cleaning operations were being carried out regularly. Samples of soft drinks were tested.

Cleaning, however, became difficult during rain. The water authority had been asked to super-chlorinate water during rain.

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