Children under 5 years vulnerable to diarrhoea: Mandya DC
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Speaking at a coordination meeting organised by the department of health and family welfare at the DC's office, Kumara announced that a district-wide diarrhoea prevention campaign will be conducted from July 16 to 31, targeting households with young children. As part of the campaign, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets and zinc tablets will be distributed to families with children below five years, based on data available with ASHA and anganwadi workers.
Special ORS-Zinc Corners will also be set up at anganwadi centres to offer basic treatment and awareness about early signs of diarrhoea such as dehydration.
"With the arrival of over 30,000 migrant sugar cane workers in the district, we must remain vigilant," Kumara stated, adding that the authorities should identify high-risk areas like slums and labour settlements, and conduct intensive awareness drives on hygiene and preventive care.
He directed anganwadi workers to promptly report diarrhoea cases to local health officials and actively engage with communities where sanitation is poor. In hostels run by the social welfare and backward classes welfare departments, and in schools, students must be encouraged to wash hands before meals as a preventive measure, he said.
Kumara also highlighted the risks posed by measles and rubella, noting that both diseases can be fatal if not addressed.
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He urged parents to ensure their children receive both doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine — the first between 9 to 11 months and the second between 16 to 24 months. To improve vaccine outreach, he proposed holding village-level awareness meetings and using waste collection vehicles to broadcast health awareness jingles, maximising public reach.
District health and family welfare officer Dr K Mohan informed the gathering that since Jan, 78 children with fever and related symptoms were tested, with one rubella and four measles cases confirmed and successfully treated. Follow-up testing in the affected areas revealed no further cases, he reported.
Dr TN Marigowda and women and child welfare deputy director Rajamurthy were also present.
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