Padmavati Prabhu
Panaji: All the samples collected during the tick surveillance to prevent cases of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) ahead of the current cashew season have tested negative for the virus, the State health Department said.
“Ahead of the cashew season which begins in February, our team visited various villages in Sattari and collected more than 1,700 tick samples. These samples were sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for testing and all have tested negative for the virus,” said State Epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar.
These samples were collected from eight villages under Community Health Centre (CHC), Valpoi. The samples were collected from various areas like forests, cow sheds, along the houses, riversides and cashew plantations, among others.
“As all the tick samples collected from these areas are found to be negative, we can say that these areas do not have ticks that have been infected with the virus as of now. But there may be exceptions,” said Dr Betodkar.
The State reported the first case of KFD in the year 2015. In case of KFD, there is no human to human transmission. The transmission to humans is only from the ticks that are infected with KFD.
“Once we start getting cases, we will again carry out tick surveillance in these same areas just to check the positivity and compare both. If we find some positive samples when we redo the surveillance, the chances of finding human cases in these areas increase. Hence, to keep a close watch, we will carry out awareness among the local population,” he informed.
In Goa, cases of KFD have been reported in the areas of Sattari and Pernem.
“In the last few years, we are not seeing any cases from Pernem which were mostly along the border areas of Maharashtra,” he said. Due to continuous efforts by health authorities, people are aware of KFD.
“KFD cases are reported mostly when people go to pluck cashew apples. We advise them precautions so that they do not get any tick bites. But at an extreme humid place like cashew plantation, it becomes difficult for them to follow precautions like full sleeves clothing, gum boots, etc. as they have to spend hours together doing this work,” he said.
Dr Betodkar also pointed out that due to good first aid management at CHC, Sankhali and CHC, Valpoi, the referrals to district hospitals and Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim have decreased.
“Every patient who is a suspect for KFD is admitted, provided a good diet and hydrated and provided symptomatic medicines. There is currently no vaccine available for KFD,” he said adding that they will intensify the surveillance during the season.
“Presently, both district hospitals and GMC have the testing facility for KFD and if needed, samples are also sent to NIV, Pune for reconfirmation,” he said.
