Health authority to set up model GE clinics to control cholera outbreak

Mysuru: Mysuru district health authorities have decided to set up a model gastroenteritis clinic to control the outbreak of cholera cases in the affected areas. A decision to this effect was taken following the directions of the deputy commissioner in the wake of the increasing number of gastroenteritis (GE) cases caused by contamination of water, adverse climate and other reasons.
District health authorities had already set up such clinics in Udbur and Siddalingapura villages of the district.The clinics have successfully treated over 66 people, who have been affected with GE at Udbur village and 14 people at Siddalingapura village. It also conducted the door-to-door health survey in these villages after opening the clinic.
Such clinics provide treatment to those who complain about stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhoea by administering intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Once the department receives the report of an outbreak of such cases, it immediately sets up temporary GE clinics at schools, and other govt and community buildings in the affected village.
A medical officer, who will be deployed at a clinic will treat the people with the help of other staff. The clinics will work throughout the day. During the night hours, a community health officer, who is trained by the department, will take care of the patients. This clinic will be set up on a temporary basis till normalcy returns in the affected village. An ambulance will also be deputed by the department for such clinics to work during health emergencies.
Speaking to TOI, DHO Dr PC Kumaraswamy said the department has opened GE clinics as the reports of cholera cases started to come in. “Following instructions from DC and the state health department, these clinics were opened after the death of one person at K Salundi village in Mysuru due to cholera and other cases were reported from Tagadur in Nanjangud taluk, Manuganahalli in Hunsur and other villages. The opening of such clinics not only helps the villagers to avail treatment at their doorstep but also spreads awareness among the villagers to control the spread of the infection,” he said.
Zilla panchayat chief executive officer KM Gayathri said the ZP has also taken steps to prevent sewage contaminating borewell water sources, particularly borewells located in higher locations. Instructions have been given to PDOs and other officials to complete the construction of platforms around borewells to prevent sewage from getting mixed with water. She also gave directions to officers to monitor water sources, storage and supply to rural areas before distribution. They must check water quality and ensure it is safe, she said.