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.