Thiruvananthapuram, A cholera outbreak has been reported at a private nursing home in Neyyattinkara in this southern Kerala district, prompting the state Health Department to strengthen preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
State Health Minister Veena George said on Tuesday that preventive measures have been intensified in the Neyyattinkara area after some residents of the private residence sought treatment at the hospital with symptoms of cholera.
Following the Minister's instructions, the Deputy Director of Health Services visited the site and assessed the situation.
"Initially, the residents of the nursing home suspected food poisoning. However, when the illness was reported, the doctor at Perumpazhuthoor Primary Health Center responded immediately and took necessary action. Samples, including water, were sent for examination to identify the source of the illness," according to a statement from the health department.
The Minister of Health has ordered that samples from those showing symptoms be sent for testing as soon as possible.
Facilities have been arranged in the isolation ward of Iranimuttom hospital to treat cholera patients.
The statement said some nursing home residents have returned to their homes and will be monitored. If they or their family members show symptoms, their samples will be tested and treatment will be guaranteed.
Some children from a school attached to the institution have also shown symptoms of cholera and will receive specialized care. Preventive measures have also been implemented at the school, according to the statement.
The health department emphasized that awareness is crucial to prevent cholera.
"If symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting or dehydration occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. Effective antibiotics are available to treat cholera, a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae," she said.
If left untreated, it can spread quickly. Even if the symptoms disappear, the patient can still transmit the disease for several days, the health department statement warns.
The disease typically spreads through contaminated food and water. The bacteria can enter the body and cause illness within a few hours to five days, she added.
State Health Minister Veena George said on Tuesday that preventive measures have been intensified in the Neyyattinkara area after some residents of the private residence sought treatment at the hospital with symptoms of cholera.
Following the Minister's instructions, the Deputy Director of Health Services visited the site and assessed the situation.
"Initially, the residents of the nursing home suspected food poisoning. However, when the illness was reported, the doctor at Perumpazhuthoor Primary Health Center responded immediately and took necessary action. Samples, including water, were sent for examination to identify the source of the illness," according to a statement from the health department.
The Minister of Health has ordered that samples from those showing symptoms be sent for testing as soon as possible.
Facilities have been arranged in the isolation ward of Iranimuttom hospital to treat cholera patients.
The statement said some nursing home residents have returned to their homes and will be monitored. If they or their family members show symptoms, their samples will be tested and treatment will be guaranteed.
Some children from a school attached to the institution have also shown symptoms of cholera and will receive specialized care. Preventive measures have also been implemented at the school, according to the statement.
The health department emphasized that awareness is crucial to prevent cholera.
"If symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting or dehydration occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. Effective antibiotics are available to treat cholera, a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae," she said.
If left untreated, it can spread quickly. Even if the symptoms disappear, the patient can still transmit the disease for several days, the health department statement warns.
The disease typically spreads through contaminated food and water. The bacteria can enter the body and cause illness within a few hours to five days, she added.
