BICHOLIM: Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar has called for bringing about awareness
of Kyasanur Forest Disease ( KFD) so that the diseased does not spread to other
parts of Goa.
Addressing a programme organized by Indian Medical Association in Bicholim on
bringing about awareness on monkey fever, Patnekar said, “ Even though monkey
fever is confined to only Valpoi, still there should be awareness among the
people in other cities. The only way to prevent deadly diseases from attacking
people is to bring about awareness among the masses.” He also appreciated the
efforts of Indian Medical Association and he Public Health Centre for
organizing the programme.
IMA Goa chief Medha Salkar urged the builders and contractors to maintain
proper hygiene of the workers.
“ It is not only the duty of health centre by also general public to keep our
surrounding clean,” Dr Medha
stated.
Dr Utkarsha Bethodkar gave a power point presentation on KFD. He said that the
disease spread in Valpoi through tick bites when people had gone to forests and
cashew plantations. The disease attacked Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and
Maharastara before spreading to Goa.
Dr Bethodkar said that all anti- mosquito repellents are effective against
ticks, besides the health department is also giving the villagers special oils
as prevention against KFD. Forest officer Pankaj Salelkar from Mhadei range and
Veterinary doctor from Pernem, Yogesh shared their experience with KFD.
Bicholim veterinary doctor, Rajesh Keni urged the public to inform them in case
if there is a monkey death so that a postmortem could be conducted.
