Nilgiris to help tribals with sickle cell anemia fight virus

Udhagamandalam: The health department is concerned about the prevalence of sickle cell anemia among the Irulas, Paniyars and Kurumbas in the Nilgiris as they are more prone to contract the novel coronavirus. It is an inherited red blood cell disorder in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout one’s body.
While officials have already diagnosed 174 tribals, 98 of them women, with the disease, at least 1,116 expectant mothers are being screened for the disease and its trait.
Dr P Balusamy, deputy director of public health, said, “Tribals with sickle cell anemia fall under high risk category when it comes to Covid-19. Those diagnosed with the condition will be closely monitored by primary health centres.” He said at least 10 expectant mothers were tested for sickle cell trait.
Dr Asokan, a member of the NGO Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association, said people with sickle cell anemia were more prone to any type of virus. “People with sickle cell trait won’t be having much problems. But those with the disease suffer severe joint pains and turn pale. Their immunity level is comparatively low.”
The NGO also monitors such people and provide them medical assistance. “There is no cure for the disease. With routine follow up, we supply them iron, folic acid and vitamin B supplements. Now, we have intensified the follow up,” Asokan said.
According to Alwas, the NGO’s secretary, the disease is mostly found among Irulas, Paniyars and Kurumbas in the Nilgiris. “No case of the disease is found among the Toda and Kota tribal communities.”