Udupi sees 11 cholera cases in a week, authorities urge hygiene measures

Udupi: In just one week, Udupi district has reported 11 cases of cholera, prompting authorities to issue an urgent call for increased public vigilance and strict hygiene practices to control the spread of the disease.

Udupi DC Vidya Kumari K said that last week five of these cases were detected within the Idu Primary Health Center in Karkala. Additional cases of vomiting and diarrhoea in Malpe, Shirva, Kaup and Kemmannu have been confirmed as cholera. The DC has urged the public to take immediate precautions to protect themselves from the disease.

Sources said that all patients, including two women and a child, are recovering well. About five persons who had visited a bar and two persons engaged in fishing were among those who were affected.

During a district-level meeting held on Wednesday, the DC stressed the need for public cleanliness to prevent further infections. As part of personal hygiene, she asked the people to thoroughly wash seafood, fruits and vegetables before consumption. Wash hands with soap before preparing or eating food and after using the toilet. Hotels and restaurants should serve hot water for drinking and wash utensils in hot water. Ensure proper handwashing after handling seafood, especially before preparing or consuming other foods. The public is advised to refrain from consuming food and fruits sold on roadsides and pushcarts, as they may be prone to contamination.

The DC also called for increased awareness in schools, colleges and anganwadis, urging children to practice regular handwashing before meals. Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, can lead to severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It spreads through contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Immediate medical attention is crucial if symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or dehydration appear, she said.

In addition to cholera, the district is also tackling vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, all spread by the Aedes mosquito. Residents in both urban and rural areas are encouraged to eliminate stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding. To combat these issues, a district-wide cleanliness drive will be conducted from Sept 14 to Oct 2. Public spaces like bus stands, railway stations and public toilets will be prioritised for cleaning. Local bodies are also urged to test wells and tap water to ensure its safety for public consumption.

Zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, MIT director Anil Rana, MIT deputy director Somashekar Bhat, district health and family welfare officer IP Gadad, district surveillance officer Nagaratna, district Malaria control officer Prashant Bhat, Udupi CMC commissioner Rayappa, deputy director of women and child development department Shyamala CK and other officials were present.