Wayanad told not to panic

The Health Department on Saturday urged the residents of Wayanad not to panic in the wake of the Nipah outbreak in neighbouring districts as such cases were yet to be reported from the district.

District Medical Officer Noona Marja asked the public to avoid travelling to areas from where the outbreak had been reported.

As symptoms of Nipah were similar to those of influenza, those with symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, severe headache, fits, and respiratory problems should consult physicians in nearby government hospitals, said Dr. Marja.

Isolation wards have been set up at the district hospital, Mananthavadi, and taluk hospital at Sulthan Bathery for the treatment of Nipah virus infection. The Department had made all arrangements to meet any emergency situation in the district, she added.