Govt to launch awareness campaign against viral fever, kala azar

Thiruvananthapuram: The State government Wednesday decided to launch an awareness programme throughout the state, especially in labour camps of migrant workers, in view of the outbreak of viral fever and a case of 'Kala Azar' (black fever) being diagnosed from Thrissur District.

As part of the programme, labour camps of migrant workers would be visited by health department officials led by Deputy District Medical Officers in all the 14 districts and ways to check the spread of the fever would be discussed, state Health Minister V S Sivakumar said after a meeting of health officials.

Migrant labour health cells would be formed, he said adding, screening programmes would be conducted on June 28, July 5, and July 12 (all Sundays).

A viral fever review meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will be held on July 1.

A 40-year-old man was diagnosed with Kala Azar in Thrissur district and two others are under observation with symptoms of the fever.