NT Reporter
Margao/Panaji
The Balli Primary Health Centre has reported another individual who has been identified with symptoms of diarrhoea during
a recent health screening at fishing jetties, taking
the total number of persons to six.
In view of this, the fisheries and health departments have enforced standard operating procedures (SOPs) to mitigate the spread of the disease.
On Friday, The Navhind Times had reported five such cases among outstation fishing workers at Cutbona jetty. One person was undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College, Bambolim. Most of the
affected persons were from Assam.
“Prompt medical attention was immediately provided to the affected individuals, and necessary preventive measures have been implemented to prevent any further spread of the illness,” the Fisheries Department said in a press communique on Saturday.
The department has informed that in preparation for the lifting of the annual monsoon fishing ban, space was provided at the jetty to facilitate health screenings of individuals, particularly those arriving from out of state to work on fishing
vessels.
“As a mandatory measure, only individuals issued with valid health cards after successful screening are allowed to board the fishing vessels,” it said.
The department has taken precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. SOPs and posters have been disseminated to sensitise stakeholders on the importance of maintaining hygiene, safe disposal of waste and consumption of clean drinking water.
Officials posted at the Cutbona Jetty are actively engaging with fishermen›s societies to educate their members on essential health precautions. To support hygiene practices, the sanitation infrastructure at the jetty has been strengthened.
Health Department officials had suspected the cases to be cholera. On Friday, teams from the department were posted at the jetty to screen workers.
The newly constructed 50-seater toilet facility has been operational in addition to the existing toilets, taking the total to 69.
“Fishermen are advised to make use of the sanitation facilities and to remain vigilant for symptoms of illness. Regular cleanliness drives and fogging activities are being conducted at the jetty premises to control vector-borne diseases and waterborne diseases and maintain overall hygiene,” the department said.
