‘No disease outbreak after floods in Hailakandi’

A Correspondent

Hailakandi, June 23: Fears of disease outbreaks and epidemics loom large in the aftermath of the devastating floods in Hailakandi district, but health authorities have claimed there has been no significant increase or spike in any communicable disease after the water receded.

In a bid to prevent any outbreak of epidemic, 71 medical teams, including a 10-member team of specialists from Silchar Medical College and Hospital and Karimganj, have been deployed in the flood-affected areas. Joint Director, Health Services, Dr. Avijit Basu disclosed that the teams were now focusing on severely affected areas like Bakrihower and Panchgram areas.

Of the 22,000 flood-affected people treated, only four per cent were afflicted with diarrhoea and dysentery while 14 per cent with various skin diseases.

“There is no outbreak of epidemic as of now. We are closely monitoring the situation and alerted our doctors and health personnel to report at once any case of infectious diseases of five or more persons in any part of the district,” said Dr. Basu, adding that the district was well prepared to tackle any exigency.

District Media Expert Monika Das said that static and mobile medical camps, including boat clinics, had been deployed to ensure people could be screened and provided with treatment and other medical needs for probable illnesses and communicable diseases like fever, diarrhoea and the sort. “We know that in a situation of this kind, we need to monitor the situation continuously till we reach safe zone. To achieve these objectives, we are closely working in tandem with the district administration and other concerned departments,” she added.

The district administration headed by Adil Khan has also pitched in by providing 10 vehicles and 10 boats to the health authorities to ensure mobility. Health authorities say that while flood-hit people had no need to panic on this count, they must continue to ensure they drink safe, chlorinated water, and consume hygienic food, avoid walking in stagnant water and frequently wash their hands. In case of a fever, diarrhoea or dysentery, residents must not self-medicate but seek help from medical practitioners.

The deluge affected over three lakh population rendering many homeless. Two persons lost their lives.

Meanwhile, the present flood situation has vastly improved in the district. Only 45 villages are still under water, 40 of them in Algapur revenue circle alone and five in Hailakandi revenue circle. Three relief camps are open in Algapur revenue circle accommodating 16,411 inmates. All the relief camps under Hailakandi, Lala and Katlicherra revenue circles have been closed down.