The district medical administration has issued a warning against cholera in the district as part of a State-wide alert.
People should take care of hygiene and sanitation and ensure that only boiled water is used for drinking and food is always kept covered.
Fruits and vegetables should be washed well before use.
Hotels have been directed to serve only boiled water for drinking.
Boiled water and water that has not been boiled should not be mixed and served.
Doctors have been given instructions to test for cholera if patients with acute diarrhoeal disease show any signs of moderate or severe dehydration.
Inspections
As part of prevention activities, the Health Department and local bodies formed three teams and visited Pozhiyoor, Kulathoor and Poovar grama panchayats to inspect eateries, ice plants and meat shops.
The Food Safety Department and local bodies have been asked to intensify inspections in these grama panchayats and to take strict action against those who violate hygiene norms.
The field staff have been given orders to super chlorinate all wells and water sources in the district at regular intervals, the district medical officer said.